Introduction: The present study aims to investigate the family history of breast cancer in patients who underwent breast ultrasonography for any reason.
Methods: Patients at any age who underwent breast ultrasonography examination in our clinic due to family history, complaints of a palpable mass in the breast–breast pain, and cancer screening over the age of 40 years were included in the study between 2019 and 2021. Regardless of whether there is an individual diagnosed with breast cancer in each case’s family, the degree of proximity was asked. Additionally, the age of the cases and whether they gave birth or not were questioned and recorded.
Results: Of the 3783 breast ultrasonography patients, 349 had a family history of breast cancer. Breast cancer was diagnosed in one relative in 79% (n=276), in two relatives in 15.5% (n=54), in three relatives in 5% (n=17), and in four relatives in 0.5% (n=2) with breast cancer in 3% (n=10). Of the cases, 181 had breast cancer in first-degree relatives; 169, in second-degree relatives; and 48, in third-degree relatives.
Discussion and Conclusion: Although the genetic transmission of breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women, is high, it is possible to achieve a significant decrease in mortality and morbidity rates with early diagnosis, thanks to routine breast examination and imaging by all women with or without a family history of breast cancer.
Keywords: BRCA 1; BRCA 2; Breast ultrasonography; Hereditary breast cancer
