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Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 21, Issue 4 (February), 2003: 593-601
© 2003 American Society for Clinical Oncology

Application of Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Models in Clinical Practice

Susan M. Domchek, Andrea Eisen, Kathleen Calzone, Jill Stopfer, Anne Blackwood, Barbara L. Weber

From the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center; Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA; and Hamilton Regional Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Address reprint requests to Susan M. Domchek, MD, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, 14 Penn Tower, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; email: susan.domchek{at}uphs.upenn.edu.


    ABSTRACT
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 Prior Probability Models: What...
 Breast Cancer Risk Assessment:...
 Lessons From Clinical Scenarios
 REFERENCES
 
Breast cancer risk assessment provides an estimation of disease risk that can be used to guide management for women at all levels of risk. In addition, the likelihood that breast cancer risk is due to specific genetic susceptibility (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations) can be determined. Recent developments have reinforced the clinical importance of breast cancer risk assessment. Tamoxifen chemoprevention as well as prevention studies such as the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene are available to women at increased risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, specific management strategies are now defined for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Risk may be assessed as the likelihood of developing breast cancer (using risk assessment models) or as the likelihood of detecting a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (using prior probability models). Each of the models has advantages and disadvantages, and all need to be interpreted in context. We review available risk assessment tools and discuss their application. As illustrated by clinical examples, optimal counseling may require the use of several models, as well as clinical judgment, to provide the most accurate and useful information to women and their families.


    INTRODUCTION
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 Prior Probability Models: What...
 Breast Cancer Risk Assessment:...
 Lessons From Clinical Scenarios
 REFERENCES
 
THE GOAL of breast cancer risk assessment is to personalize management strategies for all women, with the aim of increasing survival in high-risk women while decreasing cost and complications in low-risk women. Management strategies now in place for families with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are a clear demonstration of this principle. Female BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of between 50% and 80% and a lifetime risk of ovarian cancer of between 10% and 40% (as reviewed in1). Thus, prophylactic oophorectomy, which reduces ovarian cancer incidence by more than 90% and breast cancer incidence by at least 50%,2–4 is indicated after childbearing for all mutation carriers. The administration of tamoxifen,5 use of oral contraceptives,6,7 prophylactic mastectomy,8–10 and an intensified screening program also are options in mutation carriers.11–13 However, these interventions should be avoided in relatives who do not carry a known familial mutation.

Data support interventions in other high-risk women as well. Tamoxifen use was associated with a 49% reduction in invasive breast cancer in women with a 5-year risk of at least 1.7% (Gail model) or a prior diagnosis of lobular carcinoma-in-situ in the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial.14 Enrollment in the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene trial is also a consideration for postmenopausal women. Women at lower risk may be best served by following standard mammography and health maintenance recommendations.15

Two types of models are used for breast cancer risk assessment. The first models developed estimate the risk of developing breast cancer over time; the most commonly used models being the Gail and Claus models.16,17 More recently, probability models that estimate the likelihood of detecting a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in a given family or individual have been published. These models provide complementary information. There are four widely used prior probability models, referred to as Couch, Shattuck-Eidens, Frank, and BRCAPRO.18–21 Additional prior probability models exist, but they focus on specific ethnic populations22–24 or are aimed at identifying individuals to be referred to genetic counseling.25 Each model has unique attributes stemming from the methodology, sample size, and population characteristics used to create the model. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each model, as well as the clinical scenarios in which predictions from one model vary markedly from others, facilitates accurate breast cancer risk assessment.


    Prior Probability Models: What Is the Probability of Finding a Mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2?
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 Prior Probability Models: What...
 Breast Cancer Risk Assessment:...
 Lessons From Clinical Scenarios
 REFERENCES
 
Estimating the probability that an individual or family carries a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 aids in selection of individuals most likely to receive informative results from genetic testing. Many centers use a prior probability of 5% to 10% as the lower bound for consideration of testing. The four widely used models for estimating prior probability are compared in Table 1Go. An alternative approach when none of these models apply is to use data from studies that apply to a specific individual; for example, approximately 10% of non-Ashkenazi white women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40 years have detectable BRCA1 mutations.26–29


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Table 1. Models for Estimating the Probability of Finding a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation
 
Couch Model
For the model derived from our own clinic population, we used heteroduplex analysis and logistic regression to examine 169 different families for germline mutations in BRCA1.18 The majority of families had breast cancer only (with a median number of breast cancers per family of 4.6); both breast and ovarian cancer were seen in 27% of families. The overall prevalence of BRCA1 mutations was 16% of 169 affected probands. Predictive factors included average age at breast cancer diagnosis in the family less than 55 years, ovarian cancer in the family (particularly in an individual with breast cancer), and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. The data are presented in tables with estimated rates of BRCA1 mutations as a function of family history.

This model estimates the probability of finding a mutation within a family with at least two cases of breast cancer. It is not applicable to families with site-specific ovarian cancer, and because of the relatively small sample size, confidence intervals are wide, or could not be calculated, for some point estimates, such as for families with breast and ovarian cancer in a single individual. Probability estimates for unaffected individuals must be extrapolated from the closest affected relative without a built-in Bayesian adjustment for age. Finally, the model as initially published does not estimate the probability of finding a BRCA2 mutation.

We have now refined this model to include both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation detection by full sequencing.30 Six hundred and fifteen families were included from the United Kingdom and the United States. There were at least two cases of breast or ovarian cancer in each family, and logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between familial characteristics and the presence of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Predictors included the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50 years, breast-ovarian multiple primary cases, ovarian or fallopian tube carcinomas, male breast cancer, and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. The data are presented in tables as in the original model, but a software package is under development that will be available free on request. To date, this model has only been published in abstract form, although a manuscript is in preparation and the model is being updated.30

Shattuck-Eidens Model
A second logistic regression model for estimating the likelihood of identifying a BRCA1 mutation was derived from a sample of 798 unrelated individuals, using full sequencing.19 This was the first of several models developed by Myriad Genetics Inc (Salt Lake City, UT). Individuals were selected for testing because of multiple breast cancers in their families, ovarian cancer in the family, or a young age at diagnosis of breast cancer. Of the patients for whom complete information was available, 75% had a family history of breast cancer only. Predictive factors included younger age or bilateral breast cancer at diagnosis, ovarian cancer in the tested individual, a relative with breast and/or ovarian cancer, and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. The estimated probabilities of finding a BRCA1 mutation are presented as graphs for specific family histories.

Unlike the Couch model, the Shattuck-Eidens model can be applied to affected individuals without any family history of breast or ovarian cancer as well as to individuals in families with site-specific ovarian cancer. However, other than the proband, only one affected relative is used to determine the likelihood of detecting a mutation. As a result, a breast cancer patient with one affected sister is assigned the same probability of having a mutation as a woman with four affected sisters. As with the Couch model, the graphs cannot be used for unaffected individuals; the probabilities for such individuals must be derived from family relationships. Another important limitation of the Shattuck-Eidens model is that the prior probabilities are determined for individuals (and not families); therefore, probability can vary within a family. For example, a woman with breast cancer has a different prior probability than her sister with breast and ovarian cancer, even though their family history is identical. Finally, the model only predicts the probability of finding a BRCA1 mutation.

Frank Model
A second multicenter study coordinated by Myriad Genetics provided the basis for a model that estimates likelihood for both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Frank et al20 analyzed the full sequence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in 238 women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50 years, or ovarian cancer at any age, who also had at least one first- or second-degree relative with early-onset breast cancer or ovarian cancer. With these more stringent criteria, the prevalence of mutations (in either gene) was 39% compared with 16% in the Couch model18 and 13% in Shattuck-Eidens model.18,19 Logistic regression analysis identified breast cancer diagnosis before age 40 years, ovarian cancer, and bilateral breast cancer as predictors. Nearly 20% of the women in this sample reported Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, but this was not an independent predictor in this analysis of high-risk families. The Frank model is useful because it provides probability estimates for both BRCA1 and BRCA2. It is most applicable to families with multiple women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50 years or with ovarian cancer at any age, excluding breast cancer patients diagnosed after age 50 years. Because this sample was a stringent set of high-risk families, the Frank model often produces higher probability estimates than other models. In particular, the lowest estimated probability from the Frank model is 25%—higher than what has been seen in a series of smaller, site-specific breast cancer families.31 As in the other models, extrapolation is required for unaffected individuals. In addition, the Frank model, like the Shattuck-Eidens model, provides risk estimates for individuals and not families.

Frank et al32 have published BRCA1 and BRCA2 prevalence tables on the basis of 10,000 individuals tested through Myriad Genetics. These data are empiric, rather than modeled, and they state the prevalence of mutations in a variety of clinical situations. Family history data were obtained from information written on the test requisition and, therefore, may be limited. In addition, there were no defined criteria for testing, these data being descriptive of all samples sent to Myriad Genetics for clinical testing, potentially incorporating a number of ascertainment biases. Myriad Genetics frequently updates mutation prevalence tables of individuals tested through its laboratories at http://www.myriad.com.

BRCAPRO
Parmigiani et al21,33 developed a Bayesian model that incorporates published BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation frequencies, cancer penetrance in mutation carriers, cancer status (affected, unaffected, or unknown), and age of the proband’s first- and second-degree relatives. An advantage of this model is that it includes information on both affected and unaffected relatives. In addition, it provides estimates for the likelihood of finding either a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in a family. Like the Frank model, the analysis is based primarily on large, high-penetrance families.34 Although these estimates have been updated,35,36 like in the Frank model, the BRCAPRO model produces estimates for clinic-based families that are often higher than the Couch, Blackwood, or Shattuck-Eidens models. A validation of this model recently has been published.37 In a population at high risk for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations (71% of families had three or more cases of breast or ovarian cancer, 42% of families were of Ashkenazi Jewish background), the model appears to perform well. However, given that 56% of the individuals in this study had BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, the validity of BRCAPRO in more diverse risk assessment clinics is unclear. A second problem with BRCAPRO is that only first- and second-degree relatives are considered; therefore, probabilities vary depending on which family member is used for the analysis. Thus, choosing an individual who best captures the core of affected relatives may provide the most accurate probability estimate. One practical limitation is that specific computer software is required for calculating probabilities, and complete data entry for each family is time consuming. CancerGene (user-friendly software developed by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas to address this problem) provides prior probabilities from BRCAPRO and all published models. Information about how to obtain CancerGene free of charge is available at http://www3.utsouthwestern.edu/cancergene/.

Prevalence Tables
In some cases, mutation carrier probabilities can be best estimated from data on mutation prevalence in certain subgroups, rather than prior probability models. For example, regardless of family history, 30% to 55% of Ashkenazi Jewish women with ovarian cancer and as many as 30% of Ashkenazi Jewish women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40 years have one of the three common founder mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2.38–41 Table 2Go summarizes the mutation prevalence rates in commonly encountered clinical populations. Although prior probability models and prevalence tables are useful in counseling women, nonwhite families and certain clinical situations, such as in situ carcinomas of the breast and cancers other than breast and ovary, require special consideration.


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Table 2. Prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations in Population Subgroups
 
Ductal Carcinoma-In-Situ
There is a significantly lower incidence of ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) associated with invasive cancers in women with BRCA1 mutations compared with age-matched population cases, raising questions about how to incorporate this lesion into prior probability models.42 However, almost half (41%) of BRCA1-associated tumors in this study did have adjacent DCIS. Thus, although this difference may reflect an important biologic attribute of BRCA1, DCIS should be considered a BRCA1-associated lesion. Including DCIS when calculating prior probabilities is not straightforward, because all existing models are based only on invasive breast cancer. Using age of DCIS diagnosis likely introduces bias that inflates prior probability calculations because DCIS is thought to precede invasive cancer. The correction for this bias in Breast Cancer Linkage Consortium analyses has been to add 10 years to the diagnosis of DCIS; for example, DCIS diagnosed at age 40 years is incorporated into model calculations as an invasive cancer diagnosed at age 50 years. Presumably not all DCIS progresses to invasive breast cancer, and the time course of this progression is largely speculative; nonetheless, this correction may be the best solution currently available to incorporate DCIS into calculating the likelihood of finding a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Lobular Carcinoma-In-Situ
Lobular carcinoma-in-situ (LCIS) is thought to be a histologic risk factor for the development of breast cancer, not a premalignant lesion. It is associated with a lifetime risk of breast cancer of approximately 30%,43,44 with subsequent breast cancer occurring equally in either the ipsilateral or contralateral breast. LCIS is not detectable on physical exam or mammogram and is a serendipitous finding in a biopsy done for other reasons; prevalence, thus, is in general difficult to estimate. Some data indicate that LCIS is inversely correlated with the presence of a BRCA1 mutation,42 but that at present, LCIS should not be incorporated into any of the prior probability models. Atypical hyperplasia is also a risk factor for breast cancer, particularly in the presence of a family history of the disease.45,46 These data have been incorporated into the Gail model but should not be considered in prior probability calculations.

Other Cancers
No prior probability model in current use incorporates cancers other than breast and ovarian. However, recent data from our group and from the Breast Cancer Linkage Consortium demonstrate that BRCA1 mutations are associated with an increased risk of cervical, endometrial, and pancreatic cancers.47,48 In addition, as many as 25% of women with breast cancer and a nonovarian second primary in the setting of a family history of breast cancer have mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2.49 BRCA2 mutation carriers also have an increased risk of pancreatic, prostate, melanoma, stomach, and gallbladder cancers.50 Up to 20% of familial pancreatic cancer may be accounted for by BRCA2 mutations.51 Thus, although not included in current models, the presence of other cancers, particularly pancreatic, early-onset prostate, or a second primary in an individual with breast cancer, should heighten clinical suspicion for the presence of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in a family with breast cancer.

Male Breast Cancer
Five percent to 15% of male breast cancer is associated with BRCA2 mutations.52,53 Male carriers of BRCA2 mutations have a 6% lifetime risk for the development of breast cancer, compared with 0.1% in the general population. Recent data also indicate an association between BRCA1 mutations and male breast cancer.32,54 The prior probability models that consider male breast cancer are BRCAPRO and the updated University of Pennsylvania Model (Blackwood).21,30 The online Myriad Genetics tables (www.myriad.com) have recently added male breast cancer as well. This diagnosis should heighten suspicion of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Race and Ethnicity
All current prior probability models are based almost exclusively on white women from North America and Northern Europe. However, available data on African, African-American, and Chinese women indicate that their mutation prevalence may be similar to that of non-Ashkenazi white women.32,55–60 More extensive data on racial and ethnic differences are acutely needed to ensure accurate assessment for nonwhites, but at present there is no alternative to using established models in nonwhite populations. Recognition of Dutch ethnicity is also important, because the three founder mutations in this population are large deletions of BRCA1 and are not detected by standard sequencing.61 In addition, exon 13 duplications have been noted in individuals of British descent.62 However, the frequency and lack of distinguishing cultural characteristics of this ancestry in the US population makes using this founder effect in genetic testing problematic. Myriad Genetics now tests for exon 8 to 9, exon 13, and exon 22 deletions, as well as exon 13 duplications as part of comprehensive BRCA analysis as of August 2002. In those tested before this date, the large genomic rearrangement panel is probably best done in high prior-probability individuals with a negative coding region screen, rather than on the basis of specific European ancestry.


    Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: What Is the Chance of Developing Breast Cancer?
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 Prior Probability Models: What...
 Breast Cancer Risk Assessment:...
 Lessons From Clinical Scenarios
 REFERENCES
 
Although many data addressing breast cancer risk in first-degree relatives of patients are available,63–66 the Claus and Gail models were derived from large population-based data sets, provide estimates of absolute lifetime breast cancer risk, and are the most commonly used models17,16,67 (Table 3Go). The Gail model was used to determine eligibility for the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial14 and has since been modified (in part to adjust for race) and made available on the National Cancer Institute Web site (http://bcra.nci.nih.gov/brc/q1.htm). Estimates derived from the Claus model are based solely on family history, whereas the Gail model also incorporates reproductive variables, atypical hyperplasia, and a history of breast biopsies (regardless of histology—a point of criticism).67 One limitation of the Gail model is the inclusion of only first-degree relatives, which results in underestimating risk in the 50% of families with cancer in the paternal lineage. The Claus model incorporates maternal and paternal breast cancer history, first- and second-degree relatives, and age at breast cancer diagnosis.16,68 An expansion of the original Claus model estimates breast cancer risk in women with a family history of ovarian cancer.69 However, use of the Claus model requires a set of published tables limited to specific combinations of affected relatives (eg, two first-degree relatives, mother-maternal aunt, etc), and the tables do not include the commonly encountered mother-maternal grandmother pair. In this situation, a combination with the same degree of relatedness (eg, mother-maternal aunt, instead of mother-maternal grandmother) is the best approximation. Concordance of the two models is only fair, with the greatest discrepancies seen with nulliparity, multiple benign breast biopsies, and a strong paternal or first-degree family history.70,71


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Table 3. Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Models
 

    Lessons From Clinical Scenarios
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 Prior Probability Models: What...
 Breast Cancer Risk Assessment:...
 Lessons From Clinical Scenarios
 REFERENCES
 
When the four prior probability models are applied to a specific family, discordant predictions can result. In Fig 1Go, a family of Irish descent, three women were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40 years, and the maternal grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 53 years. Having both breast and ovarian cancer within a family is suggestive of a BRCA mutation, reflected in the high carrier probability estimates: Couch (44% for BRCA1), Blackwood (60% for BRCA1 or BRCA2), Frank (59% for BRCA1 or BRCA2), Frank 2002 (47% to 56% for BRCA1 or BRCA2), and BRCAPRO (94% for BRCA1 or BRCA2). However, the Shattuck-Eidens model estimates the BRCA1 carrier probability for the proband at only 5% to 10%. These discrepant results occur because the Shattuck-Eidens model includes only the proband and one other affected relative. Thus, the Shattuck-Eidens model may not be suited to families with many affected members. Note that the estimate derived from the empiric data of Frank 200232 is consistent with modeled estimates from the Couch, Blackwood, and original Frank models, indicating that the populations being tested at Myriad Genetics and forming most of the research data sets are converging in terms of predictive characteristics.



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Fig 1. Women ({circ}); men ({square}). Age is current or age at death (designated by a diagonal slash). Shading of upper left, breast cancer; shading of lower left, ovarian cancer. Arrow designates proband. BR Ca, breast cancer; OV Ca, ovarian cancer; d, died.

 
Another example is shown in Fig 2Go. LCIS in the proband is discounted in considering the likelihood of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, but not in evaluating risk of developing breast cancer. In this non-Ashkenazi family, Couch and Shattuck-Eidens model estimates are low (7.7% and 1% to 5%, respectively). The Frank model is not applicable because the second breast cancer was not diagnosed before age 50 years. The BRCAPRO model must be used carefully, because the choice of the proband will significantly affect the results. Using the affected premenopausal women (paternal aunt, indicated by double arrow in Fig 2Go) gives a prior probability of 55%, because both the premenopausal cancer and the male breast cancer are considered. However, using an affected postmenopausal woman (sister, indicated by triple arrow in Fig 2Go) as the proband, the prior probability decreases strikingly to 1%. Nonetheless, male breast cancer in a paternal first cousin, premenopausal breast cancer in a paternal aunt, and even the prostate cancer in the proband’s father raise suspicion for a BRCA2 mutation in the family. The Frank 2002 model gives probabilities of 4.4% for the unaffected proband and 11.2% for her affected sister. Only the Blackwood and BRCAPRO models incorporate male breast cancer, but with discrepant results—15% and 55%, respectively. No model incorporates cancers other than breast and ovarian cancer (such as the father’s prostate cancer). This example emphasizes disadvantages of considering only first- and second-degree relatives, the care that must be taken in choosing the proband while using the BRCAPRO computer software, and most importantly, the pitfalls of relying solely on models when considering genetic testing.



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Fig 2. Women ({circ}); men ({square}). Partial shading of upper left of symbol indicates lobular carcinoma-in-situ. Shading of lower right indicates a nonbreast, nonovarian primary cancer. Double and triple arrows indicate proband used for BRCAPRO calculation.

 
In addition to drawbacks specific to each model, there are general limitations to all pedigree-based assessments of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. These include lack of family history information (in the case of adoption), small family size, deaths at young ages, and few women in a family, all of which may lead to underestimation of prior probabilities. Lack of verifiable cancer diagnosis also can lead to inaccurate prior probability assessment, particularly in regard to ovarian cancer. Unconfirmed stomach cancer could well be ovarian cancer and would significantly change prior probabilities.

Prior probability models also may be useful in considering discrepancies that arise when the Gail or Claus model is applied to an unaffected woman in a family with a high likelihood of having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. An example is shown in Fig 3Go. Claus tables predict a lifetime breast cancer risk of only 9.4%, approximately the same as the general population. With average reproductive factors, no previous breast biopsies, and no first-degree relatives with breast cancer, her Gail Model index would be similarly low. However, this family is highly suspicious for autosomal dominant transmission of a breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility gene, with Couch model estimates of 89% for BRCA1. When counseling unaffected individuals, it is often useful to calculate probabilities for affected individuals and then use Mendelian risk calculations. For example, because the proband’s closest affected relative is her paternal aunt, the chance that she has a mutation is one quarter of the family probability, which is still more than 20%. If there is a mutation in the family and she has inherited it, her lifetime risk of breast cancer is as high as 85%, far exceeding either the Claus or Gail model estimate. If cancer histories are restricted to first-degree relatives, families such as this are likely to be incorrectly evaluated. This example also highlights the importance of testing affected individuals, whenever possible, so that testing is most informative.



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Fig 3. Women ({circ}); men ({square}). Proband designated by single arrow.

 
As a result, the Claus and Gail models may be best suited for individuals with low prior probability estimates. These models were derived from population-based series of women with breast cancer who were not selected for family history, and the Gail model is the only model that incorporates reproductive and histologic factors. Figure 4Go illustrates a white woman with a single biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia at age 47 years and one first-degree relative with breast cancer. She has moderate reproductive risk factors (menarche at age 12 years, first birth at age 30 years) for a 5-year and lifetime Gail risk of breast cancer of 4.7% and 36%, respectively. However, her prior probabilities are quite low (< 5%), as is her Claus lifetime risk (9.6%). One point of confusion for patients is the apparent discrepancy in having a low prior probability and a high breast cancer risk; in such a situation, the individual’s breast cancer risk is simply unlikely to be due to a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2.



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Fig 4. Women ({circ}); men ({square}). Proband designated by single arrow.

 
In conclusion, risk assessment clinics provide women with an estimation of their risk of developing breast cancer, as well as the likelihood that this risk can be explained by one of the known breast cancer susceptibility genes. This information is clinically relevant given current options regarding prevention and, particularly in the case of known BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, prophylactic surgical options.2–4,8–10 Models exist for breast cancer risk assessment and for estimating the likelihood of having a BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation. However, each model has optimal applications, largely a function of the methods by which they were developed. Calculating breast cancer risk and prior probabilities using several of the models may provide helpful ranges. Estimates from the Gail and Claus models can be readily calculated for all unaffected individuals in a risk assessment clinic. Prior probability models can be selected for specific clinical situations. We recommend consideration of BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing for women with more than 5% to 10% prior probability. Clinical judgment remains a key component in estimating prior probabilities, particularly in families with non–breast-ovarian cancers (eg, male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and early-onset prostate cancer) or individuals with multiple primary cancers. Ultimately, risk assessment is only an estimate. However, risk assessment tools can place breast cancer risk in context for women at all risk levels and allow for more focused management recommendations on the basis of this risk.


    REFERENCES
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 Prior Probability Models: What...
 Breast Cancer Risk Assessment:...
 Lessons From Clinical Scenarios
 REFERENCES
 
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Submitted July 1, 2002; accepted October 24, 2002.


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