Family history may not necessarily influence the recovery of breast cancer though inheriting the gene is a risk factor for one-quarter of breast cancer cases.
Though family history of breast cancer may be a predisposing factor for the occurrence of the disease, it does not influence recovery after treatment. "Successful treatment for breast cancer is just as likely in young patients with a family history of breast cancer, as in those without a family history. Patients with a family history of breast cancer can, therefore, be reassured that their family history alone does not mean that their outcome will be worse," said one of the researchers Ramsey Cutress, Associate Professor in breast surgery, University of Southampton, Britain.
About one-quarter of breast cancer cases in developed countries are thought to be related to hereditary factors, the study noted.
It can be scary for a woman to know that she has a family history of the disease, but after diagnosis, what is her prognosis compared with patients without a family history?
To answer this question, the researchers conducted an analysis of 2,850 women under age 41, who were diagnosed with breast cancer and treated in Britain.
The investigators found that there were no significant differences in cancer recurrence rates after treatment for women with a history of breast cancer versus those without.
Advertisement