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Vol. 35, No. 1/2, January/February 2006

An approach to the patient with a family history of breast cancer. Benefits, harms and making an informed choice

Judy Kirk, MBBS, FRACP, is Director, Familial Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, and Clinical Associate Professor, University of Sydney, New South Wales.

Meagan Brennan, BMed, FRACGP, DFM, FASBP, is a breast physician, NSW Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales.

Nehmat Houssami, MBBS, FAFPHM, FASBP, PhD, is Associate Clinical Director, NSW Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Screening and Test Evaluation Program, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales.

Owen Ung, MBBS, FRACS, is a breast and endocrine surgeon, NSW Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, and Clinical Associate Professor, University of Sydney, New South Wales.

This eleventh article in our series on breast disease discusses the management of a patient with a family history of breast disease. Apart from increasing age and female gender, family history is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. However, women with a family history of breast cancer often overestimate their risk of developing the disease. Much of the clinician's role is to reassure the patient and clarify the risk based on a careful assessment of the family history.

Publication Date: 17 January 2006
Authorised By: Australian Family Physician