Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

Nursing

Department/Program

Masters of Physician Assistant

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-24-2024

Abstract

Objective: This review should aid in the education of medical professionals on the correct medical practices in prophylaxis of breast cancer in women who have tested positive for the BRCA gene mutation.

Methods: In order to investigate the best form of prophylaxis for BRCA mutation carriers, 2,660 results were available from 2019. Nine studies were selected to evaluate the efficacy of both Tamoxifen and BRRM for the prophylaxis of breast cancer in BRCA gene mutation carriers.

Results: Women who took Tamoxifen had a 10.9% incidence of cancer while those who did not had a 14.3% incidence of cancer but is also found to be dependent on the type of BRCA mutation. Eighty three percent of BRCA1 breast cancers are ER negative while 76% of BRCA2 breast cancers are ER positive. Tamoxifen reduced breast cancer incidence by 62% among BRCA2 carriers due to their ER positive composition while not reducing the incidence of breast cancer in those with BRCA1 gene mutation. Bilateral risk reducing mastectomy provides a 90% risk reduction in breast cancer development but is associated with a 32.8% complication rate.

Conclusions: Overall bilateral risk reducing mastectomy (BRRM) is statistically the better option for breast cancer prophylaxis over Tamoxifen but decisions need to be made on a personal and multidisciplinary approach. Tamoxifen is not thoroughly researched for this indication and has many side effects while BRRM involves major surgery that can possibly lead to cosmetic complications.

Keywords: BRCA gene mutation, tamoxifen, tamoxifen side effects, mastectomy, mastectomy complications, breast cancer prophylaxis

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Emily is excited to graduate from Valparaiso Universities’ MSPA program with the knowledge gained over the course of the past 2 years. For her graduate research project she has decided to present studies on “Breast Cancer Prophylaxis in BRCA+ Women” due to her interest in disease prevention and her personal connection to the topic. Emily is currently interviewing for ENT positions and can't wait to start her career.

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