ABSTRACT
Breast cancers occurring at young ages, multiple breast cancers in any woman, and male breast cancers are highly suggestive of a breast cancer-related gene mutation. A significant family history of breast cancer is the strongest predictor of breast cancer risk for any individual. Breast cancers occurring at young ages, multiple breast cancers in any woman, and male breast cancers are highly suggestive of a breast cancer-related gene mutation. Genetic testing has become increasingly available, commercially marketed and much cheaper in cost. The most recent tests available are based on buccal swabs, saliva, or a blood test. The diagnosis of a breast cancer comes after full triple assessment and appropriate tissue biopsies, and radiological staging. Surgery remains central to the treatment for primary breast cancer and still confers overwhelmingly the greatest therapeutic benefits, added to by systemic therapies whose significance and advantage greatly depend upon the biology and stage of the cancer.
