Management of the contralateral breast in patients with hereditary breast cancer

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.