Management of women at high risk for breast cancer.

Although the mortality associated with breast cancer has decreased recently, it remains a major health problem. New technologies allow oncologists to study genetic risk factors and models for preneoplastic disease, with the ultimate aim of applying new findings to the prevention of breast cancer. Currently, breast cancer risk-reduction options for women at high risk include screening, chemoprevention, and prophylactic surgeries. This review article focuses on risk factors for breast cancer, identification of women at high risk, and the status of preventive strategies.