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Invited Commentary
Jan 28, 2013

Role of Genetic Testing for Screening and Prevention for Ovarian Cancer: Comment on “Risk-Reducing Salpingo-oophorectomy and Ovarian Cancer Screening in 1077 Women After BRCA Testing”

Author Affiliations

Author Affiliations: Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (Dr Grann and Ms Ashby-Thompson) and College of Physicians and Surgeons (Dr Grann), Columbia University, New York, New York.

JAMA Intern Med. 2013;173(2):103-104. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.2729

Genetic history of BRCA1/2 mutations identifies women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer and who may benefit from more intensive screening and/or risk-reducing surgeries. BRCA1/2 mutations account for 5% to 10% of all breast cancers in the United States and approximately 10% of ovarian cancers.1 Women with mutations may develop cancers at an early age, leading to psychological distress and loss of both quality and quantity of life. The cost of preventive screening and treatment for BRCA1/2 mutations accounts for approximately $800 million of the more than $8 billion spent each year for treatment of breast and ovarian cancers.2,3

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