Familial Breast Cancer, Prevention, Risk Factors and Genetics – Highlights from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) Poster Presentations

This article summarizes the contents of posters which were presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in sessions dealing with familial breast cancer, prevention, risk factors and genetics. Genetic testing for inherited or high-risk breast cancer was one of the main topics, focusing on the genetic counseling in women with hereditary breast cancer from different social and ethnic backgrounds. Information and training in breast self-awareness are important factors for reducing cancer anxiety. In mice, chemoprevention in breast cancer using retinoids showed to be effective by reducing tumor multiplicity. Vitamin A derivatives and COX 2 inhibitors could be potentially used to prevent breast cancer in woman at increased risk. Inhibition of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) kinase reduces tumor multiplicity and could re-sensitize tumors to taxane chemotherapy. Analysis of histological subtypes of breast cancer demonstrated differences in DNA methylation and molecular marker expression. Lifestyle, e.g. oral contraception or hormone replacement therapy, is affecting patients at both basic and high risk of developing breast cancer.