Family History and Early Onset Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): de Bock Geertruida H, Jacobi Catharina E, Seynaeve Caroline, Krol-Warmerdam Elly MM, Blom Jannet, van Asperen Christi J, Cornelisse Cees J, Klijn Jan GM, Devilee Peter, Tollenaar Rob AEM, Brekelmans Cecile TM, van Houwelingen Johannes C
Primary Institution: Leiden University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Does a family history of breast cancer predict early onset breast cancer in women?
Conclusion
Family history criteria may lead to unnecessary screening of women who are unlikely to develop early breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Having at least 2 cases of breast cancer in first-degree relatives significantly increases risk.
- The positive predictive value for breast cancer before age 30 is only 1% even with family history.
- Bilateral breast cancer in a sister is strongly associated with early onset breast cancer.
Takeaway
If your family has a lot of breast cancer, you might need to get checked earlier, but not everyone with a family history will get it.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 1,987 women with and without breast cancer regarding their family history and age of diagnosis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to dependency between women in families with multiple sisters.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported family history, which may be underreported or inaccurate.
Participant Demographics
Women with and without breast cancer, selected based on having at least one sister with breast cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.12–10.08
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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