An approach to the patient with a family history of breast cancer

Abstract

This eleventh article in our series on breast disease discusses the management of a patient with a family history of breast disease. Apart from increasing age and female gender, family history is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. However, women with a family history of breast cancer often overestimate their risk of developing the disease. Much of the clinician's role is to reassure the patient and clarify the risk based on a careful assessment of the family history.