Cancer Risk in Relatives of Women with Early-Onset Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Olsen J H, Seersholm N, Boice Jr J D, Kjær S Krüger, Jr J F Fraumeni
Primary Institution: Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Danish Cancer Society
Hypothesis
The study aims to quantify the risks for cancers of the breast, ovary, and other sites in close relatives of women diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age.
Conclusion
First-degree relatives of women who developed breast cancer before age 40 are at increased risk for ovarian and breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with early-onset breast cancer had a nearly fourfold increased risk of developing a new cancer later in life.
- The excess risk was most evident for second breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Mothers and sisters had a two- to threefold increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers.
- One in four female relatives is predicted to develop breast and/or ovarian cancer by age 75.
Takeaway
If your mom or sister had breast cancer when they were young, you might have a higher chance of getting breast or ovarian cancer too.
Methodology
Records from the Danish Cancer Registry were analyzed to assess cancer occurrence in relatives of women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on historical cancer registry data.
Limitations
The study may not account for all genetic and environmental factors influencing cancer risk.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40 and their close relatives.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.5–7.4
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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