Family history of breast cancer ‘not associated with worse outcomes’

People with a family history of breast cancer are not necessarily destined to experience worse outcomes as a result, according to a new study.

The University of Southampton research analysed data from 2,850 women under the age of 41 treated for breast cancer in the UK, assessing personal characteristics, tumour characteristics, treatment and family history of breast and ovarian cancer.

No significant differences in cancer recurrence rates were observed after treatment for women with a history of breast cancer versus those without.

Given that around one-quarter of breast cancer cases in developed countries are thought to be related to hereditary factors, this may be a cause for greater optimism among those patients.

Ramsey Cutress, an associate professor in breast surgery at the University of Southampton, said: "Patients with a family history of breast cancer can therefore be reassured that their family history alone does not mean that their outcome will be worse."

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, with just under 50,000 women diagnosed with the disease in 2011.