Breast Cancer in the Ashkenazi Jewish Population

Ashkenazi Jewish people have an elevated risk for breast cancer, driven largely by genetic pathogenic variants in the BRCA1/2 genes. In this review, we explore breast cancer within this population, focusing on both medical and cultural perspectives.

BRCA1/2 carriers have a lifetime breast cancer risk approaching 70%. Furthermore, carriers experience early age of cancer onset, greater likelihood for contralateral breast cancer, increased risk of triple-negative histology, more advanced stage of disease, and overall worse prognosis. It is critical to consider the complex interplay of religion, culture, and cancer for all patients. This is especially true for Ashkenazi Jewish individuals, where community values and customs can directly impact treatment decisions.

Ashkenazi Jewish individuals have an elevated risk for aggressive breast cancers that develop at an early age. Provider awareness of the distinctive clinical and cultural implications of breast cancer for this population is critical to provide optimal patient care.