For some women with a very strong history of breast or ovarian cancer it may be appropriate to test for the high penetrance breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 (Breast Cancer 1). This gene is located on chromosome 17. More intensive and frequent screening of those at increased genetic risk would appear to be appropriate. It is wise for the implications to be carefully addressed by a counsellor before the test is performed. It may be that we shall be able to provide a degree of reassurance, for some women at least, when there is a history of breast cancer in the family.

Other genes are currently being evaluated in several research centres.


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Women's Health