Risk-Reducing Surgery for BRCA Mutation Carriers with Breast Cancer

Although contralateral mastectomy was associated with lower long-term mortality, decision-making must be individualized.

Some two thirds of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, and their risk for a second primary breast cancer is high. However, data about the long-term survival effects of contralateral mastectomy are scant. Investigators followed 390 BRCA mutation carriers treated with mastectomy for early-stage invasive breast cancer diagnosed before age 65 between 1977 and 2009. After a median follow-up of 14 years, 209 participants had undergone unilateral mastectomy only, and 181 had undergone contralateral mastectomy (either at initial surgery or subsequently). Overall, 79 women (20%) died from breast cancer during follow-up (mean time from diagnosis to death, 7 years).

Among women who did and did not undergo cont…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Risk-Reducing Surgery for BRCA Mutation Carriers with Breast Cancer

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Reviewing Author