Hereditary breast cancer

An overview is provided of the genetics of hereditary breast cancer, as well as the clinical aspects and the management of this disease. In September 1994 a new breast cancer gene, BRCA 2, was located and BRCA 1, discovered in 1990, was sequenced (Miki et al., 1994; Wooster et al., 1994). The implications of these discoveries are immense. Tests are now available to women who have a family history of breast cancer that can determine if they carry one of these defective genes. The genetic nurse specialist can play a huge role in counselling women who wish to have predictive testing and in advising them about screening and risk.