Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women; it affects about one in eight women. Familial breast cancer typically presents earlier than sporadic breast cancer, and is more often bilateral than in sporadic cases. Ovarian cancer is more common in familial breast cancer. A large number of studies have confirmed an increased breast cancer risk in patients with a significant family history of breast cancer. The breast cancer genotype has an autosomal dominant pattern of transmission. This article considers familial breast cancer and various aspects of breast cancer management in primary care, including the genetics of familial breast cancer, and guidelines on referral to secondary care.
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