A landmark Erasmus MC study involving 3,000 women offers valuable insights into survival outcomes for those carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer genes.
For instance, women with a BRCA1 mutation show a modest survival advantage following preventive mastectomy, according to NOS.nl. In contrast, survival rates for BRCA2 carriers are largely unchanged by the procedure—reaching 100% post-mastectomy versus 98% without surgery but with routine screenings.
Read also: Life during and after breast cancer
The Breast Cancer Society notes these findings align with prior guidance: preventive breast removal offers limited survival benefits for BRCA2 carriers. Many still opt for it to alleviate anxiety and avoid frequent check-ups every six months.
Among 268 BRCA1 carriers tracked over 10 years, 20 succumbed to breast cancer. Those who underwent bilateral mastectomy achieved a 99.7% survival rate, compared to 93% for those who did not.
This pioneering research is the first to examine BRCA1 and BRCA2 in this manner. Experts emphasize the need for validation through additional studies.
