Biography:

Gordon Moffat has his experience if Life Sciences with an Honors in Biology with training in Radiology. His passion for science and interest in microbiology lead him to pursue and obtain a Doctor of Medicine. Currently he is working at the State University of New York Brooklyn Health Sciences Center in Internal Medicine and the forthcoming Medicine Chief Resident. His professional interests include: Medical Oncology, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and Geriatric Medicine. He is currently working on research projects at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, New York that are expected to be published. He is also a candidate for the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society Postgraduate Fellowship Award. 

Abstract:

Purpose:

Identifying mutations in breast cancer genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, PABL2) has important clinical implications on a woman's lifetime susceptibility to breast cancer development. Nearly 10% of immigrants to the United States come from the Caribbean and few studies exist that examine breast cancer gene mutations in African-Caribbean women with existing breast cancer. The purpose is to specifically describe breast cancer epidemiology statistics and review prevalence of BRCA mutations in this cohort.

Methods:

Epidemiologic data on select Caribbean countries and USA was abstracted from GLOBOCAN 2012, a database of estimated global cancer statistics produced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and World Health Organization. Sex-specific age standardized incidence and mortality rates for breast cancer in specific countries are presented in Table 1. A Literature Search was also conducted through PubMed database using following terms: Caribbean , (familial breast cancer), (hereditary breast cancer), and (BRCA breast cancer) that was subsequently narrowed to epidemiologic relevance resulting in five citations and presented in Table 2.

Conclusions:

The GLOBOCAN 2012 data provides an estimate of breast cancer incidence and mortality in Caribbean women. This study summarizes the known prevalence of BRCA1/2 and PALB2 breast cancer gene mutations in select Caribbean cohorts. This is critical as part of a formal genetic risk assessment and counseling of patients with breast cancer, particularly in areas that serve a Caribbean population. Further research and understanding the contributions of inherited gene mutations will guide the optimal health policy in breast cancer screening and risk management.