Approximately 5% of all breast cancers arise on a background of one of the
high-risk breast cancer genes (hereditary breast cancer and hereditary brea
st and ovarian cancer). An estimated 20% of cases arise in the presence of
a less striking family history with later average age at onset and lower pe
netrance, familial breast cancer. For hereditary breast cancer, bilateralit
y is a recognized feature. Cancers often present at an early age with the c
ontralateral risk high. This article explores the current state of knowledg
e regarding management options for women with hereditary breast cancer. (C)
2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.