Skip to content

Under 35, strong family history?

Page last modified on: November 20, 2008
Question from WSH: I'm a breast cancer survivor and a mammographer. What guidelines are being used for recommendations for women under 35 who have a strong family history of breast cancer?
Answer —Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P.: The recommendations that have been put forth were first published in JAMA and are in the process of being updated. While these recommendations support the use of mammography beginning at around 25 years of age for women with hereditary risk, there is no conclusive evidence as to the true effectiveness of this approach, or any potential long-term risk. Women with the mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2, or from families that meet the criteria for hereditary disease but where no mutation has been identified, are also recommended MRI of the breast as an ancillary screening tool. There is data demonstrating that MRI enhances the pick-up rate of mammography in such a population. Digital mammography is ideally suited for women who have a strong family history, are young, and have greater breast density. The definition it provides enhances the detection of breast cancer in this population. More and more facilities in the United States are converting to digital equipment, so it should be more commonly available.

On Wednesday, June 20, 2007, the Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting. Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. and moderator Nicholas Robert, M.D. answered your questions about the latest news on breast cancer screening, treatment, and side effects reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Together we can make a difference

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Please leave this field empty

Meet the Experts

Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.PGenerosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. is the director of the Cooper Cancer Institute and heads the division of hematology/medical oncology at Cooper University Hospital.

Nicholas Robert, M.D.Nicholas Robert, M.D. is a co-chair of the Breast Committee of the U.S. Oncology Research Network and also chairs the Cancer Committee and Research Committee of the Inova Fairfax Hospital's Cancer Center. 

Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2010 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.