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When should daughters start screening if mom is positive?

Page last modified on: August 26, 2008
Question from CathyL: I am positive for the BRCA1 mutation. I know the genetic counselors say that my daughters shouldn't probably be tested for the mutation until at least 25 years of age, but I want to know if it's appropriate to ask for a baseline MRI of their breasts before that age. What age should they begin screening? I was diagnosed at 46, but another relative with the mutation died at age 36.
Answer —Terri McHugh, M.D.: With this family history, it's appropriate to obtain a baseline breast MRI at age 25, unless symptoms warrant sooner, or if a girl has breast reduction surgery, in which case a postoperative mammogram and breast MRI should be obtained.

On Wednesday, March 19, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Breast Cancer Risk and Your Family. Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C. and Terri McHugh, M.D. answered your questions about how family genes affect risk, pros and cons of genetic testing, and ways to lower your breast cancer risk.

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.

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Meet the Experts

Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.Carol Cherry, M.S.N, R.N., A.P.R.N, B.C. is health educator, Research Project Manager, and Cancer Risk Counselor in the Margaret Dyson Family Risk Assessment Program at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Pennsylvania.

Terri McHugh, M.D. is a medical oncologist/hematologist and director of the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics program.

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