Early detection is key, in addition to monthly self exams, clinical exams and mammograms are important. If Breast Cancer runs in your family the above is even more critical.
The Hereditary Breast Cancer Resource at Creighton University is one of the largest, if not the largest resource in the world concerning hereditary breast/ovarian cancer families.
We have over 1,000 families in our resource at this time with over 100 families identified with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations.
Please refer to the family study process for the steps that are taken for a family to become involved in the HBOC Resource and the various studies. (family study process.)
After a family has been determined to have a hereditary pattern, one of the following syndrome diagnoses would be assigned to the family.
* Hereditary Breast Ovarian Cancer (HBOC): Two pre-menopausal breast cancers in more than one generation and one ovarian cancer diagnosed at any age.
* Hereditary Breast Cancer (HBC): Two pre-menopausal breast cancers in more than one generation.
* Hereditary Ovarian Cancer (HOVC): Two ovarian cancers at any age in more than one generation.
Individuals in these families are provided with screening recommendations (HCI Clinic) based on their family history and potentially invited to participate in genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
Characteristics of Genes associated with HBOC:
Genes | Genetic features | Clinical Features of Carriers |
BRCA1 | Discovered in 1990 | 55-85% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer in women |
BRCA2 | Discovered in 1994 | 33-85% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer in women |
