Skip to main content

Prophylactic Mastectomy and BRCA1 or BRCA2 Gene Mutations

  • Chapter
  • 1683 Accesses

When, within a family, there are several members with cancers of the breast or ovary a genetic predisposition (GP) to these cancers should be considered. Faced with a suggestive family history (Table 10.1), an onco-genetic consultation must be offered. This may confirm a constitutional mutation to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes within that family.

Mutation identified in a woman, termed the “index” case, becomes the basis for testing the whole family. Even though the initial test takes a long time (several months) and may be difficult, further investigations are simplified once a target has been identified in the index case. If no mutation is identified in the relatives, they may be reassured. On the other hand, if mutation is present, the latter are at high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. A meta-analysis of 22 population studies summarised the risks as shown in Tables 10.2 and 10.3.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Bermejo-Pérez M, Marquez-Calderon S, Llanos-Méndes A (2007) Effectiveness of preventive interventions in BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers: a systematic review. Int J Cancer 121:225–31

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bonadona V, Dussart-Moser S, Voirin N, et al. (2007) Prognosis of early-onset breast cancer based on BRCA1/2 mutation status in a French population-based cohort and review. Breast Cancer Res Treat 101(2):233–45

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Borgen PI, Hill AD, Tran KN, et al. (1998) Patient regrets after bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. Ann Surg Oncol 5(7):603–6

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brekelmans CT, Tilanus-Linthorst MM, Seynaeve C, et al. (2007) Tumour characteristics, survival and prognostic factors of hereditary breast cancer from BRCA2-, BRCA1- and non-BRCA1/2 families as compared to sporadic breast cancer cases. Eur J Cancer 43(5):867–76

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bresser P, Seynaeve C, Vangool A, et al. (2006) Satisfaction with prophylactic mastectomy and breast reconstruction in genetically predisposed women. Plast Reconstr Surg 117:1675–82

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cuzick J, Powles T, Veronesi U, et al. (2003) Overview of the main outcomes in breast-cancer prevention trials. Lancet 361(9354):296–300

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cuzick J, Forbes J, Sestak I, et al. (2007) Long-term results of tamoxifen prophylaxis for breast cancer—96 month follow-up of the randomized IBIS-I trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 99:272–82

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eisinger F, Alby N, Bremond A, et al. (1998) INSERM-FNCLCC Collective Expert's Report. Recommendations for management of women having a genetic risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. National Federation of Centers of the Fight Against Cancer. Ann Endocrinol 59(6):470–84

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eisinger F, Bressac B, Castaigne D, et al. (2004) Identifi cation et prise en charge des prédispositions héréditaires aux cancers du sein et de l'ovaire (mise à jour 2004). Bull Cancer 91(3):219–37

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher B, Costantino J, Wickerham D, et al. (2005) Tamoxifen for the prevention of breast cancer: current status of the national surgical adjuvant breast and bowel project P1-Study. J Natl Cancer Inst 97:1652–62

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Frost MH, Schaid DJ, Sellers TA, et al. (2000) Long-term satisfaction and psychological and social function following bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. JAMA 284(3):319–24

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hartmann LC, Schaid DJ, Woods JE, et al. (1999) Effi cacy of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy in women with a family history of breast cancer. N Engl J Med 340(2):77–84

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hartmann LC, Sellers TA, Schaid DJ, et al. (2001) Effi cacy of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy in BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers. J Natl Cancer Inst 93(21):1633–7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hatcher MB, Fallowfi eld L, A'Hern R (2001) The psychosocial impact of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy: prospective study using questionnaires and semistructured interviews. BMJ 322(7278):76

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kirova YM, Stoppa-Lyonnet D, Savignoni A, et al. (2005). Risk of breast cancer recurrence and contralateral breast cancer in relation to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation status following breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy. Eur J Cancer 41(15):2304–11

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kriege M, Brekelmans C, Boetes C, et al. (2004) Effi cacy of MRI and mammography for breast-cancer screening in women with a familial or genetic predisposition. N Engl J Med 351(5):427–37

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kuhl C, Schrading S, Leutner C, et al. (2005) Mammography, breast ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging for surveillance of women at high familial risk of breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 23(33):8469–76

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lehman C, Blume J, Weatherall P, et al. (2005) Screening women at high risk for breast cancer with mammography and magnetic resonance imaging. Cancer 103:1898–905

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • MARIBS Study Group (2005) Screening with magnetic resonance imaging and mammography of a UK population at high familial risk of breast cancer: a prospective multicentre cohort study (MARIBS). Lancet 365:1769–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meijers-Heijboer H, van Geel B, van Putten WL, et al. (2001) Breast cancer after prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. N Engl J Med 345(3):159–64

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Metcalfe K, Esplen M, Goel V, et al. (2004a) Psychosocial functioning in women who have undergone bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. Psychooncology 13:14–25

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Metcalfe K, Lynch HT, Ghadirian P, Tung N, et al. (2004b) Contralateral breast cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. J Clin Oncol 22(12):2328–35

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pierce LJ, Levin AM, Rebbeck TR, et al. (2006) Ten-year multi-institutional results of breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy in BRCA1/2-associated stage I/II breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 24(16):2437–43

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Powles T, Ashley S, Tidy A, et al. (2007) Twenty-year follow-up of the Royal Marsden randomized, double-blinded tamoxifen breast cancer prevention trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 99:283–90

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pujol P, This P, Noruzinia M, et al. (2004) Estrogens, anties-trogens and familial breast cancer. Bull Cancer 91(7–8):583–91

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rebbeck T, Lynch H, Neuhausen S (2002) Prophylactic oophorectomy in carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. N Engl J Med 346:1616–22

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rebbeck T, Friebel T, Lynch H, et al. (2004) Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy reduces breast cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations carriers: the PROSE study group. J Clin Oncol 22(6):1055–62

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Saslow D, Boetes C, Burke W, et al. (2007) American Cancer Society Guidelines for breast screening with MRI as an adjunct to mammography. CA Cancer J Clin 57:75–89

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stefanek M, Helzlsouer KJ, Wilcox P, et al. (1995) Predictors of and satisfaction with bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. Prev Med 24:412–9

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stoppa-Lyonnet D, Ansquer Y, Dreyfus H, et al. (2000) Familial invasive breast cancers: worse outcome related to BRCA1 mutations. J Clin Oncol 18(24):4053–9

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • van Oostrom I, Meijers Heijboer H, Lodder L, et al. (2003) Long-term psychological impact of carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation and prophylactic surgery: a 5 year follow-up study. J Clin Oncol 21:3867–74

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vansprundel T, Schmidt M, Rookus M, et al. (2005) Risk reduction of controlateral breast cancer and survival after contro-lateral prophylactic mastectomy in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers. Br J Cancer 93:287–92

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vogel V, Costantino J, Wickerham D, et al. (2006) Effects of tamoxifen vs raloxifene on the risk of developing invasive breast cancer and other disease outcomes: The NSABP study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifen (STAR) P2 trial. JAMA 295:2727–41

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Warner E, Plewes D, Hill K, et al. (2004) Surveillance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers with magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, mammography, and clinical breast examination. JAMA 292:1317–25

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

(2009). Prophylactic Mastectomy and BRCA1 or BRCA2 Gene Mutations. In: Fitoussi, A., Berry, M., Couturaud, B., Salmon, R.J. (eds) Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery for Breast Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00144-4_12

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-00144-4_12

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-00143-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-00144-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics