Factors influencing prophylactic surgical intervention in women with genetic predisposition for breast cancer

Abstract

IntroductionIn the United States, 5%–10% of breast cancer cases are due to genetic predisposition. Among this population, prophylactic mastectomy is viable risk‐reducing option.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to understand the timing to prophylactic mastectomy in patients with genetic predisposition to breast cancer and uncover factors influencing this decision.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with genetic predisposition for breast cancer from 2010 to 2020.ResultsIn a cohort of 506 patients with genetic predisposition for breast cancer, 154 (30.4%) underwent prophylactic mastectomy, the remainder opted for surveillance alone. The median time from diagnosis to mastectomy was 1.1 years (IQR, 0.5–3.1 years). During the surveillance period, 118 patients (33.5%) underwent breast biopsy. Of the patients with benign or atypical findings, 35 (36.8%) pursued prophylactic mastectomy, a median of 0.5 years (IQR, 0.2–1.6 years) after their gene diagnosis. The most common factor impacting the decision to undergo prophylactic mastectomy was having a family member with cancer (54.7%) followed by a personal diagnosis of other cancer(s) (27.5%).ConclusionUnderstanding the factors influencing the decision to undergo prophylactic surgery will allow for more effective shared decision‐making for primary care providers, breast surgeons, and reconstructive surgeons.