Breast cancer risk evaluation for the primary care physician

Abstract

Primary care physicians are typically the frontline clinicians who assess female patients for their risk of breast cancer, doing so by using a combination of risk algorithms and collecting personal and family medical histories. Patients found to be at increased risk of breast cancer, defined as > 20% overall lifetime risk, are candidates for enhanced screening. This review notes risk factors, determinants of risk, and a systematic approach for primary care physicians to assess and manage patients at risk of breast cancer.