The breast journal
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Genetic testing for the breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, has been available for over a decade. Positive test results carry significant medical, psychological, and social implications. Knowledge of the public's awareness concerning BRCA testing, and perceived benefits and barriers to testing can help refine educational programs and identify subgroups needing additional support. ⋯ Subjects aware of genetic testing are more willing to utilize counseling (p < 0.05). Perceptions of breast cancer inheritance, awareness of susceptibility genes, and availability of testing and counseling are not uniform among all population subgroups. In southeast Georgia, educational efforts should focus on the less educated and minority groups.
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Ipsilateral breast tumor relapse (IBTR) after breast-conserving treatment (BCT) may represent two distinct types of lesion, including a true recurrence (TR) or a new primary tumor (NPT). The aim of this study was to ascertain the difference between TRs and NPTs and to show the clinical significance of classifying IBTR into these two types of recurrence. Patients (n = 2,075) with unilateral invasive breast cancer who underwent BCT between 1987 and 2005 at Saitama Cancer Center were analyzed. ⋯ The overall survival after IBTR was worse in patients with TR than NPT. TR and NPT show quite different clinical features. Classifying IBTR into TR or NPT can therefore help to select the most appropriate treatment for IBTR.