Breast cancer investigation in cases of increased risk
What is hereditary breast cancer?
Breast cancer screening clinic
What to expect during the screening
A small percentage of people with breast cancer—about 5-10%—developed breast cancer as a result of a hereditary predisposition. A hereditary predisposition means that a single change to the DNA significantly increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
If there are indications of a possible hereditary predisposition for breast cancer, you can be referred for a genetic investigation at the Clinical Genetics outpatient clinic at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. If you have not been diagnosed with breast cancer yourself, it is preferred that a family member with breast cancer be referred for the genetic investigation.
A clinical geneticist can assess your risk of developing (or redeveloping) breast cancer based on family history and a possible DNA test and provide recommendations for breast screenings.
Specialists at the NKI Center for Early Diagnostics can refer you for an appointment with the Clinical Genetics clinic. Your general practitioner or specialist can also refer you to this clinic. The costs of genetic testing are covered by the Dutch basic health insurance package, but keep in mind that your deductible (own risk) may apply.
