Authors' recommendations: This HTA reviewed the evidence regarding the surveillance of women aged less than 50 years at elevated risk of breast cancer. There is uncertainty about how many women aged less than 50 have been identified as being at elevated risk and what surveillance they may currently be receiving. Based on the available evidence of test accuracy, survival rates and risk of developing breast cancer, it is recommended that: women with identified genetic mutations other than TP53 should receive annual MRI from age 30 to 49, and the addition of annual digital mammography from age 40 to 49 is acceptable. For women with a TP53 mutation, annual MRI from age 20 to 49 and no mammography was recommended. For women at high familial risk with no identified genetic mutations and those at moderate risk, surveillance before the age of 40 is not recommended on clinical or cost-effectiveness grounds. For these women with no identified genetic mutations, annual MRI from age 40 to 49 is preferred to the existing arrangements, although if this is not feasible then annual digital mammography from age 40 to 49 would be more effective and less costly than existing surveillance.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: http://www.hiqa.ie/healthcare/health-technology-assessment/assessments/surveillance-of-women-under-50-with-increased-risk-of-breast-cancer

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Ireland

Organisation Name: Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)

Contact Address: Health Information and Quality Authority, George's Court, George's Lane,Smithfield, Dublin 7. PH : + 353 (01) 814 7464

Contact Name: info@hiqa.ie

Contact Email: info@hiqa.ie

Copyright: Health Information and Quality Authority