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Open Access Case report

Developments in Clinical Practice: Follow up Clinic for BRCA Mutation Carriers: a Case Study Highlighting the "Virtual Clinic"

Audrey Ardern-Jones1* and Rosalind Eeles1,2

Author Affiliations

1 The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, UK

2 Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, UK

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Hereditary Cancer in Clinical Practice 2004, 2:77-79 doi:10.1186/1897-4287-2-2-77

Published: 15 February 2004

Abstract

This paper highlights the need for carriers to be followed up by health professionals who understand the complexities of the BRCA syndrome. A BRCA carrier clinic has been established in London and regular follow up is an essential part of the care for families. An open door policy has been set up for patients who may meet or telephone the cancer genetic nurse specialist for support and care at any time. An example of the follow up work is discussed in the format of a case of a young woman with a BRCA1 alteration who developed a primary peritoneal cancer following prophylactic oophorectomy. This case illustrates the work of the multi-disciplinary team caring for BRCA carriers.

Keywords:
BRCA; carrier clinic; prophylactic oophorectomy; support; multi-disciplinary