Guidelines Encourage Screening for BRCA Mutations in Families with Cancer

By Joe Elia

Asymptomatic women with a family history of cancers related to BRCA mutations should undergo genetic counseling and, if indicated, genetic testing, according to final recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The group recommends against routine BRCA screening or genetic counseling for women without a family history of BRCA-related cancers. BRCA-related cancers include those of the breast, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and peritoneum.

The document updates recommendations issued in 2005 and reaffirms them. The interim period has seen the development of several history-screening tools (we've included the link to one of those recommended by the USPSTF below).