What can be done about the risk of breast cancer if a woman has a BRCA gene fault?

The options are breast screening, medication and risk-reducing surgery.

The aim of breast screening is to detect cancers at an early stage, before the cancer has spread. Women with a BRCA gene fault are advised to have screening with a breast MRI and ultrasound if needed from age 30-40, a breast MRI and mammogram from age 40-60, and a mammogram and ultrasound from age 60.

More information on breast screening

Tamoxifen, a drug widely used in the treatment of breast cancer, has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk.

It is offered to women who carry a BRCA1 or 2 gene fault.

More information on Tamoxifen

Bilateral mastectomy is offered to women with a BRCA gene fault. Most women choose to have breast reconstruction.

More information about risk-reducing breast surgery and  reconstruction