Breast cancer risk management for moderate-risk and high-risk women

Because breast cancer is the number one cause of death for women between age 35 and 54 years, an accurate assessment of risk is important. Knowing whether her risk is high, moderate, or low allows a woman to make decisions regarding appropriate risk-reducing interventions, strategies, and lifestyle changes. For high-risk women, management options include intense screening and surveillance protocols or prophylactic mastectomy. Genetic testing for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 may be important to stratify risk for individuals and families. For moderate-risk women, breast screening is an appropriate strategy. Both groups of women are suitable for breast cancer prevention trials. Women in all risk groups can benefit from a lifestyle that includes moderate exercise, a low-fat high-fibre diet, and low alcohol consumption.