"When Is Risk Highest For Women With Breast Cancer Gene Mutations?" - Dennis Thompson
For women who have genetic mutations that increase their risk of breast and ovarian cancers, researchers have better defined at what age those gene flaws are most likely to cause trouble. Breast cancer risk peaks around the 40s for BRCA1 mutation carriers and around the 50s for BRCA2 carriers. Stephanie Blank, MD, director of women's health for Mount Sinai Downtown-Chelsea Center, believes that more women should undergo genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. "In general, we should be more inclusive rather than restrictive about who should be tested because not everybody fits the general profile of who you would expect to carry the mutation," Dr. Blank said. "We're surprised not infrequently."
- Stephanie V. Blank, MD, Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Director of Women's Health, Mount Sinai Downtown- Chelsea Center