Screening for breast and ovarian cancer: the relevance of family history.

The recent identification of two breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes--BRCA1 and BRCA2--has received a lot of publicity. Public and professional expectations of the availability and utility of genetic testing have been raised and the importance of a family history of breast cancer overemphasized. In this chapter, we examine the significance of a family history of breast or ovarian cancer in determining individual risk. A strategy for management is proposed, based on stratifying women with such a history into three different categories of risk for breast cancer: high, moderate and low. Some of the more controversial aspects of screening for breast and ovarian cancer are reviewed, including the issue of management of women who are at increased risk of these cancers by virtue of a family history, genetic predisposition, or both. There is a need for further research to clarify the most appropriate management of those at moderate risk of developing these cancers. A management strategy for women at high risk is proposed. We believe that adoption of this strategy will strengthen consistent information giving from primary to tertiary care.