Deleterious mutations in predisposition genes are present at high frequency in patients with TNBC unselected for family history of cancer. Mutation prevalence estimates suggest that patients with TNBC, regardless of age at diagnosis or family history of cancer, should be considered for germline genetic testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2. Although mutations in other predisposition genes are observed among patients with TNBC, better cancer risk estimates are needed before these mutations are used for clinical risk assessment in relatives.

: Cytomorphology from breast random periareolar fine-needle aspirates can be used with the Gail risk model to identify a cohort of women at very high short-term risk for developing breast cancer. We recommend that cytomorphology be studied for use as a potential surrogate end point in prevention trials.

Obese breast cancer survivors have increased risk of recurrence and death compared to their normal weight counterparts. Rural women have significantly higher obesity rates, thus weight control intervention may be a key strategy for prevention of breast cancer recurrence in this population. This one arm treatment study examined the impact of a group-based weight control intervention delivered through conference call technology to obese breast cancer survivors living in remote rural locations. The intervention included a reduced calorie diet incorporating prepackaged entrees and shakes, physical activity gradually increased to 225 min/week of moderate intensity exercise, and weekly group phone sessions. Outcomes included anthropomorphic, diet, physical activity, serum biomarker, and quality of life changes. Ninety-one percent of participants (31 of 34) attended > 75% of intervention sessions and completed post-treatment data collection visits. At 6 months, significant changes were observed for weight (-12.5 ± 5.8 kg, 13.9% of baseline weight), waist circumference (-9.4 ± 6.3 cm), daily energy intake (-349 ± 550 kcal/day), fruits and vegetables (+3.7 ± 4.3 servings/day), percent kcal from fat (-12.6 ± 8.6%), physical activity (+1235 ± 832 kcal/week; all p’s < .001), as well as significant reductions in fasting insulin (16.7% reduction, p = .006) and leptin (37.1% reduction, p < .001). Significant improvements were also seen for quality of life domains including mood, body image, and sexuality. In conclusion, the intervention produced > 10% weight loss as well as significant improvements across multiple endpoints. The group phone-based treatment delivery approach may help disseminate effective weight control intervention to hard-to-reach breast cancer survivors.