Establishment of a Nationwide Registry to Evaluate and Improve Risk-Based Prevention for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HerediCaRe)

Breast and ovarian cancer are common cancers among women. Studies show that 5–10% of breast cancer cases and about 10–15% of ovarian cancer cases are hereditary. People with a genetic predisposition to breast or ovarian cancer can seek care at the German Consortium for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer as well as at other cancer centers, where they can undergo regular screening and/or treatment. Now, a centralized nationwide registry is to be established to investigate open questions regarding the development and progression of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.

The goal of the HerediCaRe study is to use this registry to evaluate and improve preventive measures. The study is an observational study that collects and analyzes patient data. This includes genetic analyses from blood samples as well as information on the patients’ well-being and quality of life. Based on this data, the study aims to identify additional tumor subtypes and gain a better understanding of subgroup-specific characteristics and risks. In the long term, the hope is that this will lead to an improved understanding and optimized prevention and treatment of breast and ovarian cancer.

Eligible participants are individuals aged 18 and older who have a genetically determined increased risk of breast or ovarian cancer. A hereditary form of the disease must be documented in the family and must have implications for treatment. The study does not test new medications or forms of treatment.