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Breast Cancer in the Ashkenazi Jewish Population

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Ashkenazi Jewish people have an elevated risk for breast cancer, driven largely by genetic pathogenic variants in the BRCA1/2 genes. In this review, we explore breast cancer within this population, focusing on both medical and cultural perspectives.

Recent Findings

BRCA1/2 carriers have a lifetime breast cancer risk approaching 70%. Furthermore, carriers experience early age of cancer onset, greater likelihood for contralateral breast cancer, increased risk of triple-negative histology, more advanced stage of disease, and overall worse prognosis. It is critical to consider the complex interplay of religion, culture, and cancer for all patients. This is especially true for Ashkenazi Jewish individuals, where community values and customs can directly impact treatment decisions.

Summary

Ashkenazi Jewish individuals have an elevated risk for aggressive breast cancers that develop at an early age. Provider awareness of the distinctive clinical and cultural implications of breast cancer for this population is critical to provide optimal patient care.

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Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Melissa K. Frey, Luiza R. Perez & Jesse T. Brewer

  2. Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Melissa K. Frey

  3. Sharsheret, The Jewish Breast & Ovarian Cancer Community, New York, NY, USA

    Adina K. Fleischmann & Elana Silber

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  1. Melissa K. Frey
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Contributions

M. K. F., L. R. P., A. K. F., and E. S. wrote the main manuscript text, and M. K. F. prepared Fig. 1. J. T. B. helped to draft sections of the manuscript, assist with editing, and format citations. A. K. F. and E. S. helped to draft and edit sections of the manuscript, as well as select which patient testimonies to include.

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Correspondence to Melissa K. Frey.

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Frey, M.K., Perez, L.R., Brewer, J.T. et al. Breast Cancer in the Ashkenazi Jewish Population. Curr Breast Cancer Rep 16, 98–105 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-024-00528-3

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