Skin cancer risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers
P V Gumaste1, L A Penn1, R M Cymerman1
1The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, U.S.A.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|December 20, 2014
Summary
Women with BRCA1/2 mutations face increased breast and ovarian cancer risks. Current research shows limited evidence linking these mutations to higher skin cancer risks, including melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Women with BRCA1/2 mutations have significantly higher risks for breast and ovarian cancers.
- Concerns exist regarding their potential increased risk for other cancers, such as skin cancer.
- Existing research on BRCA1/2 mutations and skin cancer risk is limited and inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current literature on the association between BRCA1/2 mutations and the risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
- To evaluate the evidence supporting an increased risk of skin cancer in individuals with BRCA1/2 mutations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies investigating BRCA1/2 mutations and skin cancer risk.
- Analysis of findings regarding melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant increased risk of melanoma was found in BRCA1 mutation carriers.
- BRCA2 mutations have shown some association with melanoma, but evidence is inconsistent across studies.
- Conflicting results exist regarding the association between BRCA1/2 mutations and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence currently supports increased skin cancer surveillance for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers without other risk factors.
- Suspected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers should receive counseling on skin cancer risks.
- Yearly full skin examinations may be beneficial for suspected BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.
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