Use of systemic hormone therapy in BRCA mutation carriers.

As more women are being counseled and tested, clinicians increasingly encounter women with identified BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Existing, albeit limited, data indicate that risks of breast cancer are not increased with use of systemic hormone therapy by menopausal BRCA mutation carriers with intact breasts. Young mutation carriers with or without intact breasts should not defer or avoid risk-reducing (and lifesaving) bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy because of concerns that subsequent use of systemic hormone therapy will elevate breast cancer risk.