Characteristics predicting recommendation for familial breast cancer referral in a cohort of women from primary care

Family history of breast and related cancers can indicate increased breast cancer (BC) risk. In national familial breast cancer (FBC) guidelines, the risk is stratified to guide referral decisions. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with the recommendation for referral in a large cohort of women undergoing FBC risk assessment in a recent primary care study. Demographic, family history, psychological and behavioural factors were collected with family history questionnaires, psychological questionnaires and manual data extraction from general practice electronic health records. Participants were women aged 30–60 with no previous history of breast or ovarian cancer. Data from 1127 women were analysed with stepwise logistic regression. Two multivariable logistic models were developed to predict recommendations for referral: using the entire cohort ( n = 1127) and in a subgroup with uncertain risks ( n = 168). Model performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). In all 1127 women, a multivariable model incorporating five family history components (BC aged < 40, bilateral BC, prostate cancer, first degree relative with ovarian cancer, paternal family history of BC) and having a mammogram in the last 3 years, performed well (AUC = 0.86). For the 168 uncertain risk women, only paternal family history of BC remained significant (AUC = 0.71). Clinicians should pay particular attention to these five family history components when assessing FBC risk, especially prostate cancer which is not in the current national guidelines.