Identifying Women At High Risk For Breast Cancer: Brca And Beyond
Tracking # 20-485758
Course overview
About 249,260 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the U.S. in 2016. While most breast cancers are sporadic events, up to 10% are thought to be attributed to a hereditary predisposition. A strong family history suggesting a genetic mutation predisposing a woman to breast cancer is certainly worth further investigation. However, additional risk factors beyond family history may increase a woman's risk of developing the disease. Healthcare providers, such as nurses, advanced practice nurses, and physicians, must be aware of both a woman's personal history and family history to better assess her risk of developing breast cancer. Individualized risk assessment allows the healthcare provider to have a meaningful discussion with the patient about prevention and screening.
Subject areas
This course counts toward the state boards and subject areas below.
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Practitioner
District of Columbia Board of Nursing
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Florida Board of Nursing - Certified Nursing Assistants
Certified Nursing Assistant
Georgia Board of Nursing
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Professional Nurse
New Mexico Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
South Carolina Board of Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Disclosure statements
Goal and Learning Outcomes
The goal of this continuing education program is to provide nurses, advanced practice nurses, and physicians with generalized information about patients who are at high risk for breast cancer because of personal or family histories, including those that suggest a genetic predisposition. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to:
- Identify key factors in a woman’s personal and family history that may put her at high risk for breast cancer
- Discuss the significance of a BRCA mutation
- Describe the recommended plan for high-risk screening
Deena Damsky Dell, RN-BC, MSN, AOCN, LNC, a reviewer of this course, has disclosed that she is on the speakers’ bureau for Genomic Health Inc.
Course originally released on: 11/13/2014
Date of most recent review: 4/13/2017
Course termination/update date: 04/13/2020
Course Authors
Debra Anscombe Wood, BS, RN
Heidi Dishneau, MSN, ARNP, AOCNP