Managing breast cancer risk

Abstract

Managing Breast Cancer Risk is a single source for information needed by primary care physicians, nurses, gynecologists, as well as oncologic specialists who deal with women who are concerned about breast cancer. Its purpose is to bring together a multidisciplinary group of experts to address breast cancer risk in a clinically meaningful way. Chapters providing detailed information on individual risk factors are accompanied by a discussion of models, which integrate multiple factors for a more complete assessment of risk. Traditional strategies for risk management, including surveillance and prophylactic surgery, are reviewed, and the data on newer techniques such as ductal lavage and screening with magnetic resonance is presented. The rational for chemoprevention with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMS) is discussed, and the evidence for tamoxifen as a chemopreventative is updated. The potential for chemoprevention with newer SERMS and the aromatase inhibitors is reviewed. Finally, the critical (and often ignored) areas of quality of life and symptom management are addressed.