People have the right to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions about their care, as described in NICE's information on making decisions about your care.
Making decisions using NICE guidelines explains how we use words to show the strength (or certainty) of our recommendations, and has information about prescribing medicines (including off-label use), professional guidelines, standards and laws (including on consent and mental capacity), and safeguarding.
The recommendations in this guideline apply to women and men unless otherwise specified.
When a person with no personal history of breast cancer presents with breast symptoms or has concerns about relatives with breast cancer, a first- and second-degree family history should be taken in primary care to assess risk, because this allows appropriate classification and care. [2004]
This recommendation has been deleted following a review.
In some circumstances, it may also be clinically relevant to take a family history, for example, for women older than age 35 years using an oral contraceptive pill or for women being considered for long-term HRT use. [2004]
A person should be given the opportunity to discuss concerns about their family history of breast cancer if it is raised during a consultation. [2004]
A second-degree family history (that is, including aunts, uncles and grandparents) should be taken in primary care before explaining risks and options. [2004]
A second-degree family history needs to include paternal as well as maternal relatives. [2004]
Asking people to discuss their family history with relatives is useful in gathering the most accurate information. [2004]
Tools such as family history questionnaires and computer packages exist that can aid accurate collection of family history information and they should be made available. [2004]
For referral decisions, attempts should be made to gather as accurate information as possible on:
age of diagnosis of any cancer in relatives
site of tumours
multiple cancers (including bilateral disease)
Jewish ancestry (women with Jewish ancestry are around 5 to 10 times more likely to carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations than women in non-Jewish populations). [2004]
A family history should be taken when a person with no personal history of breast cancer presents with breast symptoms or has concerns about relatives with breast cancer. [2004]
A third-degree family history should be taken in secondary care where possible and appropriate. [2004]
Tools such as family history questionnaires and computer packages exist that can aid accurate collection of family history information and risk assessment and they should be made available. [2004]
A third-degree family history should be taken in a specialist genetic clinic for a person with no personal history of breast cancer, if this has not been done previously. [2004]
For accurate risk estimation, the following are required:
age of death of affected and unaffected relatives
current age of unaffected relatives. [2004]
In general, it is not necessary to validate breast cancer-only histories (via medical records/cancer registry/death certificates). [2004]
If substantial management decisions, such as risk-reducing surgery, are being considered and no mutation has been identified, clinicians should seek confirmation of breast cancer-only histories (via medical records/cancer registry/death certificates). [2004]
Where no family history verification is possible, agreement by a multidisciplinary team should be sought before proceeding with risk-reducing surgery. [2004]
Abdominal malignancies at young ages and possible sarcomas should be confirmed in specialist care. [2004]
When available in secondary care, use a carrier probability calculation method with demonstrated acceptable performance (calibration and discrimination) as well as family history to determine who should be offered referral to a specialist genetic clinic. Examples of acceptable methods include BOADICEA and the Manchester scoring system. [2013]
In a specialist genetic clinic, use a carrier probability calculation method with demonstrated acceptable performance (calibration and discrimination) to assess the probability of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Examples of acceptable methods include BOADICEA and the Manchester scoring system. [2013]
If there are problems with using or interpreting carrier probability calculation methods, use clinical judgement when deciding whether to offer genetic testing. [2013]
People should be offered a personal risk estimate but information should also be given about the uncertainties of the estimation. [2004]
When a personal risk value is requested, it should be presented in more than one way (for example, a numerical value, if calculated, and qualitative risk). [2004]
People should be sent a written summary of their consultation in a specialist genetic clinic, which includes their personal risk information. [2004]
Effective care involves a balanced partnership between patients and healthcare professionals. Patients should have the opportunity to make informed choices about any treatment and care and to share in decision making. [2004]
To ensure a patient-professional partnership, patients should be offered individually tailored information, including information about sources of support (including local and national organisations). [2004]
Tailoring of information should take into account format (including whether written or taped) as well as the actual content and form that should be provided (see box 1). [2004]
Standard information should be evidence based wherever possible, and agreed at a national level if possible (NICE's information for the public provides a good starting point). [2004]
Standard information should not contradict messages from other service providers, including commonly agreed information across localities. [2004]
Standard written information for all people
Risk information about population level and family history levels of risk, including a definition of family history.
The message that, if their family history alters, their risk may alter.
Breast awareness information.
Lifestyle advice regarding breast cancer risk, including information about:
HRT and oral contraceptives (women only)
lifestyle, including diet, alcohol, etc
breastfeeding, family size and timing (women only).
Contact details of those providing support and information, including local and national support groups.
People should be informed prior to appointments that they can bring a family member/friend with them to appointments.
Details of any trials or studies that may be appropriate.
For people cared for in primary care
Standard written information (as above).
Advice to return to discuss any implications if there is a change in family history or breast symptoms develop.
For people being referred to secondary care
Standard written information (as above).
Information about the risk assessment exercise that will take place and advice about how to obtain a comprehensive family history if required.
Information about potential outcomes, depending on the outcome of the risk assessment (including referral back to primary care, management within secondary care or referral to a specialist genetics service) and what may happen at each level.
For people being referred back to primary care
Standard written information (as above).
Detailed information about why secondary or a specialist genetics service are not needed.
Advice to return to primary care to discuss any implications if there is a change in family history or breast symptoms develop.
For people being cared for in secondary care
Standard written information (as above).
Details of the risk assessment outcome, including why they are not being referred to a specialist genetics service.
Details of surveillance options including risk and benefits.
For people being referred to a specialist genetic clinic
Standard written information (as above).
Details of the risk assessment outcome, including why they are being referred to a specialist genetics service.
Details of surveillance options, including risk and benefits.
Details of what should be expected in a specialist genetics service, including counselling and genetic testing.
For people being cared for in a specialist genetic clinic
Standard written information (as above).
Information about hereditary breast cancer.
Information about genetic testing, both predictive testing and mutation finding, including details of what the tests mean and how informative they are likely to be, and the likely timescale of being given the results.
Information about the risks and benefits of risk-reducing surgery when it is being considered, including both physical and psychological impact.
People without a personal history of breast cancer can be cared for in primary care if the family history shows only 1 first-degree or second-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at older than age 40 years (in most cases, this will equate to less than a 3% 10-year risk of breast cancer at age 40 years), provided that none of the following are present in the family history:
bilateral breast cancer
male breast cancer
ovarian cancer
Jewish ancestry
sarcoma in a relative younger than age 45 years
glioma or childhood adrenal cortical carcinomas
complicated patterns of multiple cancers at a young age
paternal history of breast cancer (2 or more relatives on the father's side of the family). [2004]
People who do not meet the criteria for referral should be cared for in primary care by giving standard written information. [2004]
People without a personal history of breast cancer who meet the following criteria should be offered referral to secondary care:
1 first-degree female relative diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than age 40 years or
1 first-degree male relative diagnosed with breast cancer at any age or
1 first-degree relative with bilateral breast cancer where the first primary was diagnosed at younger than age 50 years or
2 first-degree relatives, or 1 first-degree and 1 second-degree relative, diagnosed with breast cancer at any age or
1 first-degree or second-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at any age and 1 first-degree or second-degree relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age (1 of these should be a first-degree relative) or
3 first-degree or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at any age. [2004]
Advice should be sought from the designated secondary care contact if any of the following are present in the family history in addition to breast cancers in relatives not fulfilling the above criteria:
bilateral breast cancer
male breast cancer
ovarian cancer
Jewish ancestry
sarcoma in a relative younger than age 45 years
glioma or childhood adrenal cortical carcinomas
complicated patterns of multiple cancers at a young age
paternal history of breast cancer (2 or more relatives on the father's side of the family). [2004]
Discussion with the designated secondary care contact should take place if the primary care health professional is uncertain about the appropriateness of referral because the family history presented is unusual or difficult to make clear decisions about, or where the person is not sufficiently reassured by the standard information provided. [2004]
Direct referral to a specialist genetics service should take place where a high-risk predisposing gene mutation has been identified (for example, BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53). [2004]
Women who are being referred to secondary care or a specialist genetic clinic should be provided with written information about what happens at this stage. [2004]
Support mechanisms (for example, risk counselling, psychological counselling and risk management advice) need to be identified, and should be offered to women not eligible for referral and/or surveillance on the basis of age or risk level who have ongoing concerns. [2004]
Support is needed for primary care health professionals to care for women with a family history of breast cancer. Essential requirements for support for primary care are:
a single point and locally agreed mechanism of referral for women identified as being at increased risk
educational materials about familial breast cancer
decision-support systems
standardised patient information leaflets
a designated secondary care contact to discuss management of 'uncertain' cases. [2004]
Care of people in secondary care (such as a breast care team, family history clinic or breast clinic) should be undertaken by a multidisciplinary team. It should include the following:
written protocols for management
central, standardised resources
mammographic surveillance available to the standard of the national breast screening programmes (England – NHS Breast Screening Programme [NHSBSP]; Wales – Breast Test Wales; Northern Ireland – NI Breast Screening Programme)
access to surveillance as described in section 1.6 [2013]
access to a team offering risk-reducing surgery
standardised written information
designated/lead clinicians
a designated contact for primary care
a designated contact in a specialist genetic clinic
audit
clinical trials access
access to psychological assessment and counselling
information about support groups and voluntary organisations
administrative support. [2004]
People who meet the following criteria should be offered secondary care and do not require referral to a specialist genetic clinic:
1 first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than age 40 years or
2 first-degree or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at an average age of older than 50 years or
3 first-degree or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at an average age of older than 60 years or
a formal risk assessment (usually carried out in a specialist genetic clinic) or a family history pattern is likely to give risks of greater than 3 to 8% risk in the next 10 years for women aged 40 years, or a lifetime risk of 17% or greater but less than 30% (a woman's age should be assumed to be 40 for a woman in her forties; a 10-year risk should be calculated for the age range 40 to 49)
provided that none of the following are present in the family history:
bilateral breast cancer
male breast cancer
ovarian cancer
Jewish ancestry
sarcoma in a relative younger than 45 years of age
glioma or childhood adrenal cortical carcinomas
complicated patterns of multiple cancers at a young age
very strong paternal history (4 relatives diagnosed at younger than 60 years of age on the father's side of the family). [2004]
People whose risk does not meet the criteria for referral to secondary care (see recommendation 1.3.3) can be referred back to primary care:
with appropriate information being offered and
support mechanisms (for example, risk counselling, psychological counselling and risk management advice) need to be identified, and should be offered to people not eligible for referral and/or surveillance on the basis of age or risk level who have ongoing concerns. [2004]
People who meet the following referral criteria should be offered a referral to a specialist genetic clinic.
At least the following female breast cancers only in the family:
2 first-degree or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than an average age of 50 years (at least 1 must be a first-degree relative) [2004] or
3 first-degree or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than an average age of 60 years (at least 1 must be a first-degree relative) [2004] or
4 relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at any age (at least 1 must be a first-degree relative). [2004] or
Families containing 1 relative with ovarian cancer at any age and, on the same side of the family:
1 first-degree relative (including the relative with ovarian cancer) or second-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than age 50 years [2004] or
2 first-degree or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than an average age of 60 years [2004] or
another ovarian cancer at any age. [2004] or
Families affected by bilateral cancer (each breast cancer has the same count value as 1 relative):
1 first-degree relative with cancer diagnosed in both breasts at younger than an average age 50 years [2004] or
1 first-degree or second-degree relative diagnosed with bilateral cancer and 1 first or second degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than an average age of 60 years. [2004] or
Families containing male breast cancer at any age and, on the same side of the family, at least:
1 first-degree or second-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than age 50 years [2004] or
2 first-degree or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at younger than an average age of 60 years. [2004] or
A formal risk assessment has given risk estimates of:
a 10% or greater chance of a gene mutation being harboured in the family (see recommendations 1.5.8 to 1.5.13) [2013] or
a greater than 8% risk of developing breast cancer in the next 10 years [2004] or
a 30% or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. [2004]
Clinicians should seek further advice from a specialist genetics service for families containing any of the following, in addition to breast cancers:
triple negative breast cancer under the age of 40 years [2013]
Jewish ancestry [2004]
sarcoma in a relative younger than age 45 years [2004]
glioma or childhood adrenal cortical carcinomas [2004]
complicated patterns of multiple cancers at a young age [2004]
very strong paternal history (4 relatives diagnosed at younger than 60 years of age on the father's side of the family). [2004]
The management of high-risk people may take place in secondary care if they do not want genetic testing or risk-reducing surgery and do not wish to be referred to a specialist genetics service. [2004]
Following initial consultation in secondary care, written information should be provided to reflect the outcomes of the consultation. [2004]
Care of people referred to a specialist genetic clinic should be undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team. In addition to having access to the components found in secondary care, it should also include the following:
clinical genetic risk assessment
verification for abdominal malignancies and possible sarcomas. [2004]
Women with no personal history of breast cancer meeting criteria for referral to a specialist genetic clinic should be offered a referral for genetic counselling regarding their risks and options. [2004]
Women attending genetic counselling should receive standardised information beforehand describing the process of genetic counselling, information to obtain prior to the counselling session, the range of topics to be covered and brief educational material about hereditary breast cancer and genetic testing. [2004]
Predictive genetic testing should not be offered without adequate genetic counselling. [2004]
All eligible people should have access to information on genetic tests aimed at mutation finding. [2004]
Pre-test counselling (preferably 2 sessions) should be undertaken. [2004]
Discussion of genetic testing (predictive and mutation finding) should be undertaken by a healthcare professional with appropriate training. [2004]
Eligible people and their affected relatives should be informed about the likely informativeness of the test (the meaning of a positive and a negative test) and the likely timescale of being given the results. [2004]
Tests aimed at mutation finding should first be carried out on an affected family member where possible. [2004]
If possible, the development of a genetic test for a family should usually start with the testing of an affected individual (mutation searching/screening) to try to identify a mutation in the appropriate gene (such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53) (see recommendations 1.5.8 to 1.5.13). [2004]
A search/screen for a mutation in a gene (such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53) should aim for as close to 100% sensitivity as possible for detecting coding alterations and the whole gene(s) should be searched. [2004]
Discuss the potential risk and benefits of genetic testing. Include in the discussion the probability of finding a mutation, the implications for the individual and the family, and the implications of either a variant of uncertain significance or a null result (no mutation found). [2013]
Inform families with no clear genetic diagnosis that they can request review in the specialist genetic clinic at a future date. [2013]
Clinical genetics laboratories should record gene variants of uncertain significance and known pathogenic mutations in a searchable electronic database. [2013]
Offer genetic testing in specialist genetic clinics to a relative with a personal history of breast and/or ovarian cancer if that relative has a combined BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carrier probability of 10% or more. [2013]
Offer genetic testing in specialist genetic clinics to a person with no personal history of breast or ovarian cancer if their combined BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carrier probability is 10% or more and an affected relative is unavailable for testing. [2013]
Offer genetic testing in specialist genetic clinics to a person with breast or ovarian cancer if their combined BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carrier probability is 10% or more. [2013]
Offer people eligible for referral to a specialist genetic clinic a choice of accessing genetic testing during initial management or at any time thereafter. [2013]
Offer fast-track genetic testing (within 4 weeks of a diagnosis of breast cancer) only as part of a clinical trial. [2013]
Discuss the individual needs of the person with the specialist genetics team as part of the multidisciplinary approach to care. [2013]
Offer detailed consultation with a clinical geneticist or genetics counsellor to all those with breast cancer who are offered genetic testing, regardless of the timeframe for testing. [2013]
Surveillance of women at very high risk of developing breast cancer is run by the NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP). This applies to women with a lifetime risk of 40% or greater because of a specific genetic abnormality in the woman or her family. Surveillance for women at lower levels of risk is covered by this guideline.
Women at increased risk of breast cancer should be 'breast aware' in line with Department of Health advice for all women. [2004]
Do not routinely offer ultrasound surveillance to women at moderate risk or high risk of breast cancer but consider it:
when MRI surveillance would normally be offered but is not suitable (for example, because of claustrophobia)
when results of mammography or MRI are difficult to interpret. [2013]
Offer annual mammographic surveillance to women:
aged 40 to 49 years at moderate risk of breast cancer
aged 40 to 59 years at high risk of breast cancer but with a 30% or lower probability of being a BRCA or TP53 carrier
aged 40 to 59 years who have not had genetic testing but have a greater than 30% probability of being a BRCA carrier
aged 40 to 69 years with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. [2013]
Offer mammographic surveillance as part of the population screening programme to women:
aged 50 years and over who have not had genetic testing but have a greater than 30% probability of being a TP53 carrier
aged 60 years and over at high risk of breast cancer but with a 30% or lower probability of being a BRCA or TP53 carrier
aged 60 years and over at moderate risk of breast cancer
aged 60 years and over who have not had genetic testing but have a greater than 30% probability of being a BRCA carrier
aged 70 years and over with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. [2013]
Consider annual mammographic surveillance for women:
aged 30 to 39 years at high risk of breast cancer but with a 30% or lower probability of being a BRCA or TP53 carrier
aged 30 to 39 years who have not had genetic testing but have a greater than 30% probability of being a BRCA carrier
aged 30 to 39 years with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
aged 50 to 59 years at moderate risk of breast cancer.
Discuss the benefits and risks of mammographic surveillance with the person before making a shared decision, as described in recommendation 1.6.18. [2013, amended 2019]
Do not offer mammographic surveillance to women:
aged 29 years and under
aged 30 to 39 years at moderate risk of breast cancer
aged 30 to 49 years who have not had genetic testing but have a greater than 30% probability of being a TP53 carrier
of any age with a known TP53 mutation. [2013]
Offer annual MRI surveillance to women:
aged 30 to 49 years who have not had genetic testing but have a greater than 30% probability of being a BRCA carrier
aged 30 to 49 years with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
aged 20 to 49 years who have not had genetic testing but have a greater than 30% probability of being a TP53 carrier
aged 20 to 49 years with a known TP53 mutation. [2013]
Consider annual MRI surveillance for women aged 50 to 69 years with a known TP53 mutation. [2013]
Do not offer MRI to women:
of any age at moderate risk of breast cancer
of any age at high risk of breast cancer but with a 30% or lower probability of being a BRCA or TP53 carrier
aged 20 to 29 years who have not had genetic testing but have a greater than 30% probability of being a BRCA carrier
aged 20 to 29 years with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
aged 50 to 69 years who have not had genetic testing but have a greater than 30% probability of being a BRCA or a TP53 carrier, unless mammography has shown a dense breast pattern
aged 50 to 69 years with a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, unless mammography has shown a dense breast pattern. [2013]
Also see summary of recommendations on surveillance for women with no personal history of breast cancer.
Ensure that all women with breast cancer are offered annual mammography for 5 years for follow-up imaging, in line with the NICE guideline on early and locally advanced breast cancer. In conjunction with follow-up, women who remain at high risk of breast cancer and have a family history should receive surveillance as outlined in recommendations 1.6.11 to 1.6.15. [2013]
Offer annual mammographic surveillance to all women aged 50 to 69 years with a personal history of breast cancer who:
remain at high risk of breast cancer (including those who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation), and
do not have a TP53 mutation. [2013]
Offer mammography as part of the population screening programme for all women aged 70 years and over with a personal history of breast cancer who:
remain at high risk of breast cancer (including those who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation), and
do not have a TP53 mutation. [2013]
Offer annual MRI surveillance to all women aged 30 to 49 years with a personal history of breast cancer who remain at high risk of breast cancer, including those who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. [2013]
Do not offer MRI surveillance to any women aged 50 years and over without a TP53 mutation unless mammography has shown a dense breast pattern. [2013]
Consider annual MRI surveillance for women aged 20 to 69 years with a known TP53 mutation or who have not had a genetic test but have a greater than 30% probability of being a TP53 carrier. [2013]
Ensure that surveillance for people with a personal history of breast cancer who remain at moderate risk of breast cancer is in line with the NICE guideline on early and locally advanced breast cancer. [2013]
Offer support (for example, risk counselling, psychological counselling and risk management advice) to women who have ongoing concerns but are not eligible for surveillance additional to that offered by the national breast screening programmes (England – NHS Breast Screening Programme [NHSBSP]; Wales – Breast Test Wales; Northern Ireland – NI Breast Screening Programme). [2004, amended 2013]
Before decisions on surveillance are made, discuss and give written information on the benefits and risks of surveillance, including:
the possibility that mammography might miss a cancer in women with dense breasts and the increased likelihood of further investigations [2013]
possible over diagnosis
the risk associated with exposure to radiation
the possible psychological impact of a recall visit. [2004, amended 2013]
Review eligibility for surveillance if family history changes (for example, if another member of the family develops breast cancer or a mutation is identified). [2013]
At the start of a surveillance programme and when there is a transition or change to the surveillance plan, give women:
information about the surveillance programme, including details of the tests, how often they will have them and the duration of the programme
information about the risks and benefits of surveillance
details of sources of support and further information. [2006, amended 2013]
Ensure that women know and understand the reasons for any changes to the surveillance plan. [2006, amended 2013]
For women under 50 years who are having mammography, use digital mammography at centres providing digital mammography to national breast screening programme standards. [2013]
Ensure that individual strategies are developed for all women having mammographic surveillance and that surveillance is:
to national breast screening programme standards
audited
only undertaken after written information is given about risks and benefits. [2013]
Ensure that MRI surveillance includes MRI of both breasts performed to national breast screening programme standards. [2006, amended 2013]
When women not known to have a genetic mutation are referred to a specialist genetic clinic, offer them assessment of their carrier probability using a carrier probability calculation method with acceptable performance (calibration and discrimination) to determine whether they meet or will meet the criteria for surveillance. (An example of an acceptable method is BOADICEA.) [2013]
Do not offer surveillance to women who have undergone a bilateral mastectomy. [2013]
People should be provided with standardised written information about risk, including age as a risk factor. [2004]
Modifiable risk factors should be discussed on an individual basis in the relevant care setting. [2004]
Healthcare professionals should be able to provide information on the effects of hormonal and reproductive factors on breast cancer risk. [2004]
Advice to women up to age 35 years with a family history of breast cancer should be in keeping with general health advice on the use of the oral contraceptive pill. [2004]
Women aged over 35 years with a family history of breast cancer should be informed of an increased risk of breast cancer associated with taking the oral contraceptive pill, given that their absolute risk increases with age. [2004]
For women with BRCA1 mutations, the conflicting effects of a potential increased risk of breast cancer under the age of 40 years and the lifetime protection against ovarian cancer risk from taking the oral contraceptive pill should be discussed. [2004]
Women should not be prescribed the oral contraceptive pill purely for prevention of cancer, although in some situations reduction in ovarian cancer risk may outweigh any increase in risk of breast cancer. [2004]
If a woman has a BRCA1 mutation and is considering a risk-reducing oophorectomy before the age of 40 years, the oral contraceptive pill should not be prescribed purely for the reduction in ovarian cancer risk. [2004]
Women should be advised to breastfeed if possible because this is likely to reduce their risk of breast cancer, and is in accordance with general health advice. [2004]
Women with a family history of breast cancer who are considering taking, or already taking, HRT should be informed of the increase in breast cancer risk with type and duration of HRT. [2004]
Advice to individual women on the use of HRT should vary according to the individual clinical circumstances (such as asymptomatic menopausal symptoms, age, severity of menopausal symptoms, or osteoporosis). [2004]
HRT usage in a woman at familial risk should be restricted to as short a duration and as low a dose as possible. Oestrogen-only HRT should be prescribed where possible. [2004]
A woman having an early (natural or artificial) menopause should be informed of the risks and benefits of HRT, but generally HRT usage should be confined to women younger than age 50 years if at moderate or high risk (see also recommendations 1.7.53 and 1.7.54). [2004]
Alternatives to HRT should be considered for specific symptoms such as osteoporosis or menopausal symptoms (see also recommendations 1.7.53 and 1.7.54). [2004]
Consideration should be given to the type of HRT if it is being considered for use in conjunction with risk-reducing gynaecological surgery. [2004]
Women with a family history should be informed that alcohol may increase their risk of breast cancer slightly. However, this should be considered in conjunction with any potential benefit of moderate alcohol intake on other conditions (such as heart disease) and adverse effects associated with excessive alcohol intake. [2004]
Women should be advised not to smoke, in line with current health advice. [2004]
Women should be advised on the probable increased postmenopausal risk of breast cancer from being overweight. [2004]
Women should be advised about the potential benefits of physical exercise on breast cancer risk. [2004]
Healthcare professionals within secondary care or specialist genetic clinics should discuss the absolute benefits and risks of options for chemoprevention with women at high risk or moderate risk of breast cancer. Discussion, using a decision aid, should include the following to promote shared decision-making and informed preferences:
the reduced risk of invasive breast cancer
the lack of effect on mortality
the side effects of the different options
alternative approaches, such as surveillance alone and, for women at high risk, risk-reducing surgery.
Women should all be given information in an accessible format. [2013, amended 2017]
NICE has produced patient decision aids about chemoprevention for women at moderate or high risk of breast cancer.
Offer tamoxifen for 5 years to premenopausal women at high risk of breast cancer unless they have a past history or may be at increased risk of thromboembolic disease or endometrial cancer. [2017]
Offer anastrozole for 5 years to postmenopausal women at high risk of breast cancer unless they have severe osteoporosis. [2017, amended 2023]
For postmenopausal women at high risk of breast cancer who have severe osteoporosis or do not wish to take anastrozole:
offer tamoxifen for 5 years if they have no history or increased risk of thromboembolic disease or endometrial cancer, or
consider raloxifene for 5 years for women with a uterus if they have no history or increased risk of thromboembolic disease and do not wish to take tamoxifen.
In March 2017 this was an off-label use of raloxifene. See NICE's information on prescribing medicines. [2017]
Do not offer chemoprevention to women who were at high risk of breast cancer but have had bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy. [2013, amended 2017]
Consider tamoxifen for 5 years for premenopausal women at moderate risk of breast cancer, unless they have a past history or may be at increased risk of thromboembolic disease or endometrial cancer. [2017]
Consider anastrozole for 5 years for postmenopausal women at moderate risk of breast cancer unless they have severe osteoporosis. [2017, amended 2023]
For postmenopausal women at moderate risk of breast cancer who have severe osteoporosis or do not wish to take anastrozole:
consider tamoxifen for 5 years if they have no history or increased risk of thromboembolic disease or endometrial cancer, or
consider raloxifene for 5 years for women with a uterus if they have no history or increased risk of thromboembolic disease and do not wish to take tamoxifen.
In March 2017 this was an off-label use of raloxifene. See NICE's information on prescribing medicines. [2017]
Do not continue chemoprevention beyond 5 years in women with no personal history of breast cancer. [2013, amended 2017]
Inform women that they should stop tamoxifen at least:
2 months before trying to conceive
6 weeks before elective surgery. [2013]
Bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy is appropriate only for a small proportion of women who are from high-risk families and should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. [2004]
Bilateral mastectomy should be raised as a risk-reducing strategy option with all women at high risk. [2004]
Women considering bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy should have genetic counselling in a specialist cancer genetic clinic before a decision is made. [2004]
Discussion of individual breast cancer risk and its potential reduction by surgery should take place and take into account individual risk factors, including the woman's current age (especially at extremes of age ranges). [2004]
Family history should be verified where no mutation has been identified before bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy. [2004]
Where no family history verification is possible, agreement by a multidisciplinary team should be sought before proceeding with bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy. [2004]
Pre-operative counselling about psychosocial and sexual consequences of bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy should be undertaken. [2004]
The possibility of breast cancer being diagnosed histologically following a risk-reducing mastectomy should be discussed pre-operatively. [2004]
All women considering bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy should be able to discuss their breast reconstruction options (immediate and delayed) with a member of a surgical team with specialist oncoplastic or breast reconstructive skills. [2004]
A surgical team with specialist oncoplastic/breast reconstructive skills should carry out risk-reducing mastectomy and/or reconstruction. [2004]
Women considering bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy should be offered access to support groups and/or women who have undergone the procedure. [2004]
Risk-reducing bilateral oophorectomy is appropriate only for a small proportion of women who are from high-risk families and should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. [2004]
Information about bilateral oophorectomy as a potential risk-reducing strategy should be made available to women who are classified as high risk. [2004]
Family history should be verified where no mutation has been identified before bilateral risk-reducing oophorectomy. [2004]
Where no family history verification is possible, agreement by a multidisciplinary team should be sought before proceeding with bilateral risk-reducing oophorectomy. [2004]
Any discussion of bilateral oophorectomy as a risk-reducing strategy should take fully into account factors such as anxiety levels on the part of the woman concerned. [2004]
Healthcare professionals should be aware that women being offered risk-reducing bilateral oophorectomy may not have been aware of their risks of ovarian cancer as well as breast cancer and should be able to discuss this. [2004]
The effects of early menopause should be discussed with any woman considering risk-reducing bilateral oophorectomy. [2004]
Options for management of early menopause should be discussed with any woman considering risk-reducing bilateral oophorectomy, including the advantages, disadvantages and risk impact of HRT. [2004]
Women considering risk-reducing bilateral oophorectomy should have access to support groups and/or women who have undergone the procedure. [2004]
Women considering risk-reducing bilateral oophorectomy should be informed of possible psychosocial and sexual consequences of the procedure and have the opportunity to discuss these issues. [2004]
Women not at high risk who raise the possibility of risk-reducing bilateral oophorectomy should be offered appropriate information, and if seriously considering this option should be offered referral to the team that deals with women at high risk. [2004]
Women undergoing bilateral risk-reducing oophorectomy should have their fallopian tubes removed as well. [2004]
When women with no personal history of breast cancer have either a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation or a family history of breast cancer and they have had a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy before their natural menopause, offer them:
combined HRT if they have a uterus
oestrogen-only HRT if they don't have a uterus
up until the time they would have expected natural menopause (average age for natural menopause is 51 to 52 years). [2013]
Manage menopausal symptoms occurring when HRT is stopped in the same way as symptoms of natural menopause. [2013]
Refer women with a personal history of breast cancer who wish to consider risk-reducing surgery for appropriate genetic and psychological counselling before surgery. [2013]
Discuss the risks and benefits of risk-reducing mastectomy with women with a known or suspected BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53 mutation. [2013]
For a woman considering risk-reducing mastectomy, include in the discussion of risks and benefits:
the likely prognosis of their breast cancer, including their risk of developing a distal recurrence of their previous breast cancer
a clear quantification of the risk of developing breast cancer in the other breast
the potential negative impact of mastectomy on body image and sexuality
the very different appearance and feel of the breasts after reconstructive surgery
the potential benefits of reducing the risk in the other breast and relieving the anxiety about developing breast cancer. [2013]
Give all women considering a risk-reducing mastectomy the opportunity to discuss their options for breast reconstruction (immediate and delayed) with a member of a surgical team with specialist skills in oncoplastic surgery or breast reconstruction. [2013]
Ensure that risk-reducing mastectomy and breast reconstruction are carried out by a surgical team with specialist skills in oncoplastic surgery and breast reconstruction. [2013]
Offer women who have BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53 mutations but who decide against risk-reducing mastectomy, surveillance according to their level of risk. [2013]
Discuss the risks and benefits of risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with women with a known or suspected BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53 mutation. Include in the discussion the positive effects of reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and the negative effects of a surgically induced menopause. [2013]
Defer risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy until women have completed their family. [2013]
Do not offer risk-reducing surgery to people with comorbidities that would considerably increase the risks of surgery. [2013]
Do not offer risk-reducing surgery to people who have a limited life expectancy from their cancer or other conditions. [2013]
When a person has invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ and is known to have a TP53 mutation or a 30% probability of a TP53 mutation:
inform them of all the possible treatment options
make sure they know about the uncertainties associated with these treatment options
inform them of the risks associated with each treatment (for example, the risk of recurrence, the risk of new primary breast cancer and the risks of malignancy associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy). [2013]
Offer people with invasive breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ and a 30% probability of a TP53 mutation, genetic testing to help determine their treatment options. [2013]
| Age (years) | A 30% or lower probability of being a BRCA or TP53 carrier | Untested but greater than 30% BRCA carrier probability | Known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation | Untested but greater than 30% TP53 carrier probability | Known TP53 mutation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
20 to 29 |
Do not offer mammography Do not offer MRI |
Do not offer mammography Do not offer MRI |
Do not offer mammography Do not offer MRI |
Do not offer mammography Annual MRI |
Do not offer mammography Annual MRI |
|
30 to 39 |
Consider annual mammography Do not offer MRI |
Annual MRI and consider annual mammography |
Annual MRI and consider annual mammography |
Do not offer mammography Annual MRI |
Do not offer mammography Annual MRI |
|
40 to 49 |
Annual mammography Do not offer MRI |
Annual mammography and annual MRI |
Annual mammography and annual MRI |
Do not offer mammography Annual MRI |
Do not offer mammography Annual MRI |
|
50 to 59 |
Annual mammography Do not offer MRI |
Annual mammography Do not offer MRI unless dense breast pattern |
Annual mammography Do not offer MRI unless dense breast pattern |
Mammography as part of the population screening programme Do not offer MRI unless dense breast pattern |
Do not offer mammography Consider annual MRI |
|
60 to 69 |
Mammography as part of the population screening programme Do not offer MRI |
Mammography as part of the population screening programme Do not offer MRI unless dense breast pattern |
Annual mammography Do not offer MRI unless dense breast pattern |
Mammography as part of the population screening programme Do not offer MRI unless dense breast pattern |
Do not offer mammography Consider annual MRI |
|
70 and over |
Mammography as part of the population screening programme |
Mammography as part of the population screening programme |
Mammography as part of the population screening programme |
Mammography as part of the population screening programme |
Do not offer mammography |
High risk of breast cancer (but with a 30% or lower probability of being a BRCA or TP53 carrier) – lifetime risk of at least 30%. High risk group includes rare conditions that carry an increased risk of breast cancer, such as Peutz-Jegher syndrome, (STK11), Cowden (PTEN), familial diffuse gastric cancer (E-Cadherin).
High risk of breast cancer (untested but greater than 30% BRCA carrier probability) – surveillance recommendations reflect the fact that women who at first assessment had a 30% or greater BRCA carrier probability and reach 60 years of age without developing breast or ovarian cancer will now have a lower than 30% carrier probability and should no longer be offered MRI surveillance.
High risk of breast cancer (untested but greater than 30% TP53 carrier probability) – surveillance recommendations reflect the fact that women who at first assessment had a 30% or greater TP53 carrier probability and reach 50 years of age without developing breast cancer or any other TP53-related malignancy will now have a lower than 30% carrier probability and should no longer be offered MRI surveillance.
| Age (years) | Moderate risk of breast cancer |
|---|---|
|
20 to 29 |
Do not offer mammography Do not offer MRI |
|
30 to 39 |
Do not offer mammography Do not offer MRI |
|
40 to 49 |
Annual mammography Do not offer MRI |
|
50 to 59 |
Consider annual mammography Do not offer MRI |
|
60 to 69 |
Mammography as part of the population screening programme Do not offer MRI |
|
70 and over |
Mammography as part of the population screening programme |
| Near population risk of breast cancer | Moderate risk of breast cancer | High risk of breast cancer | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lifetime risk from age 20 |
Less than 17% |
Greater than 17% but less than 30% |
30% or greater |
|
Risk between ages 40 and 50 |
Less than 3% |
3 to 8% |
Greater than 8% |
The high-risk group includes known BRCA1, BRCA2 and TP53 mutations and rare conditions that carry an increased risk of breast cancer such as Peutz-Jegher syndrome (STK11), Cowden (PTEN) and familial diffuse gastric cancer (E-Cadherin).
Mother, father, daughter, son, sister, brother.
Grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, half-sister, half-brother.
In this guideline severe osteoporosis is defined as having a T-score of at least –2.5 SD as measured by DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). This definition is in line with the NICE technology appraisal guidance on the primary prevention of osteoporotic fragility fractures in postmenopausal women and the World Health Organization. The T-score is a measure of how far a person's bone mineral density is below the mean value of young adults.
Great grandparent, great aunt, great uncle, first cousin, great grandchild, grand nephew, grand niece.
Oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2 negative breast cancer.