Breast Cancer Care: Research presented by Heemskerk-Gerritsen and Pierce at the seventh European Breast Cancer Conference

Statement from Breast Cancer Care on research presented by Heemskerk-Gerritsen and Pierce at the seventh European Breast Cancer Conference on surgical options for patients with inherited breast cancer.

Maria Leadbeater, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“Around 5-10 per cent of breast cancers are a result of inherited faulty genes, and these patients can face complex emotional and medical choices when deciding on treatment.

“While these two studies approach the issue of treating breast cancer in women with the faulty BRCA gene from different perspectives, they both suggest that a full mastectomy may not be the only option.

“This news will be of great interest to women with a significant family history of breast cancer as it may result in simpler, less invasive surgery. It is therefore essential that patients are given clear information so they can fully understand the risks and benefits of all available options.”

ENDS

For further media information, please contact
Ian Manley
0207 960 3450/ 0770 290 1334
ian.manley@breastcancercare.org.uk