Integrating Breast Cancer Risk Management into Primary Care

In 2019, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated two recommendation statements related to breast cancer: the BRCA-related cancer risk assessment, including evaluating for genetic counseling and testing,1 and the use of preventive medication to reduce breast cancer risk.2 Because approximately 10% of breast cancers are attributable to a genetic mutation (also called a pathogenic variant) and at least 11 genes are now known to increase the risk of breast cancer,3,4 it is more important than ever that primary care physicians have the ability and resources to identify women eligible for genetic counseling and testing.

Who Should Be Screened for Genetic Mutations?

Women with a family history of breast, ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer and previously treated survivors of any of those cancers should be assessed for genetic risk. More than 16 million individuals are living with a history of cancer in...