If a patient with breast cancer is eligible for genetic testing, this should be arranged by their hospital team +/- in conjunction with clinical genetics.
If your patient has approached you to discuss their family history of breast cancer, please use the following referral guidelines to decide whether a referral for clinical genetics to determine familial screening recommendations is required.
The following women should be referred to clinical genetics for an assessment about their eligibility for additional breast screening.
- A first degree relative (FDR) with breast cancer under the age of 40.
- A first degree relative with male breast cancer.
- Two first degree relatives with breast cancer.
- One first and one second degree relative with breast cancer.
- One first degree relative with bilateral breast cancer.
- One relative with breast cancer and one with ovarian cancer (one must be first degree).
- Two relatives with ovarian cancer.
- Three or more relatives with breast or ovarian cancer.
Notes
- If the consultee has breast cancer and residual breast tissue, count as an FDR
- An affected female second degree relative through a male relative is equivalent to an FDR
