Women at high risk for breast cancer: preventive strategies

Prevention of breast cancer is a high priority for women at risk for the disease. Management options for this group include close surveillance, chemoprevention, and prophylactic mastectomy (surgical prophylaxis). The optimal method remains to be determined. However, at the present time, close surveillance, which include breast self-examination, annual or semiannual physical examinations, and annual mammography starting at age 30, remains the most widely accepted method.