Purpose/objectives: To provide an update on the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 and to review available primary preventive options.
Data sources: Published articles, abstracts, and clinical experience.
Data synthesis: While genetic testing will help identify a cadre of women at high risk for breast cancer development, it also will raise many psychosocial and ethical issues, including if and when to be tested and what patients and healthcare professional should do with the information.
Conclusions: The only currently available putative form of primary prevention is prophylactic mastectomy. Diet and the use of tamoxifen remain areas for future research.
Implications for nursing practice: Nurses can play an important role in educating patients who face difficult decisions surrounding genetic testing and primary prevention modalities. Nurses also can design and conduct much needed research in these areas.