USPSTF recommends BRCA screening for high-risk women

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is recommending that women at high risk for breast cancer be screened for the breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 or BRCA2.

The new guideline suggests that primary care providers screen asymptomatic women with a family history of breast, ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancers to determine if that family history may be associated with an increased risk for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (Annals of Internal Medicine, December 23). Women who screen positive should have genetic counseling and, if indicated after counseling, BRCA testing, according to the USPSTF.

This recommendation reaffirms the USPSTF's 2005 recommendation on BRCA testing.