Understanding your risk for breast cancer
What does being high-risk mean?
If you have a family history of breast cancer on either your mother’s or father’s side, you may be considered “high risk” for the disease. This term isn’t meant to cause fear but to encourage a proactive approach to your health. Knowing your risk allows you to take positive steps towards monitoring and maintaining your breast health.
The positive side of being high risk
Being aware of your high-risk status can be empowering. It means you and your health care provider can work together to keep a closer watch on your breast health. This vigilance increases the likelihood of detecting any issues early when they are most treatable. Many women without a family history may not feel as motivated to follow screening guidelines, potentially missing early signs of cancer.
Understanding hereditary breast cancer
Current information suggests approximately seven to 10% of breast cancer cases involve a hereditary component, often linked to mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. If your family history includes certain characteristics, you may benefit from discussing genetic testing with a health care professional. These characteristics include:
Personal history
- Breast cancer diagnosed before age 50
- Triple negative (estrogen, progesterone, HER2) breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer at any age
- Two primary breast cancers in the same individual
Family History
- Breast cancer under age 50
- Ovarian cancer at any age
- Multiple cases of breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer at any age
- Male breast cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with breast cancer
- Identified BRCA mutation in the family
If your family or personal history includes these characteristics, genetic counseling can help determine if testing is right for you. This process involves a simple blood or saliva test, with results typically available in about four weeks. If you test positive for a BRCA mutation, your health care provider can discuss options, such as increasing surveillance, prescribing preventative medications or possibly having prophylactic surgery.
Take charge of your breast health
- Find a knowledgeable health care provider, including a central primary care provider to help you better navigate your health
- Share family history
- Learn breast self-exams
- Follow screening guidelines
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle
Facing your high-risk status can be a positive motivator to take charge of your health. Early detection and regular screenings can lead to better outcomes if cancer does develop. Remember, being high risk is not a certainty of developing cancer but an opportunity to make informed, proactive choices.