Preventing breast cancer in women with a BRCA1 mutation 

Principal Investigator:
Christopher Maxwell, University of British Columbia

• Joanne Kotsopoulos, Women’s College Hospital
• David Lim, Women’s College Hospital 

Problem: People who inherit a BRCA1 gene mutation have a much higher risk of developing breast cancer, especially during or after pregnancy. Currently, the only way to significantly reduce this risk is to have both breasts removed. Most women with a BRCA1 mutation instead choose regular MRI screening, which can detect cancer earlier but not prevent it. 

Solution: Dr Maxwell and his colleagues will study whether a drug commonly used to stop milk production after pregnancy could help prevent breast cancer. The international team will analyze data already collected from a large group of people with BRCA mutations and conduct a feasibility study that could lead to a larger clinical trial.

Impact: If successful, this project could transform how we prevent breast cancer in people with a BRCA1 mutation, helping to save lives. It could also open the door to new prevention options that do not involve surgery.