Know Your Family History: Take Action

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate ourselves about this disease that affects so many women and their families. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, after lung cancer.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the breast tissue begin to grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can form a tumor, which can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

There are several different types of breast cancer, but the most common are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma. Invasive ductal carcinoma starts in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding tissue, while invasive lobular carcinoma starts in the milk-producing glands and can spread to other parts of the breast.

Know Your Family History

One of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer is to know your family history. Breast cancer can be hereditary, meaning it runs in families. If you have a close relative, such as a mother or sister, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be at a higher risk for the disease.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your risk. Your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings or other preventive measures, such as genetic testing or a prophylactic mastectomy.

Known Genetic Mutations

• BRCA1: Women who inherit a mutation in the BRCA1 gene have a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer, as well as ovarian cancer.
• BRCA2: Women who inherit a mutation in the BRCA2 gene also have an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, but the risk is generally lower than for women with a BRCA1 mutation.
• TP53: Women who inherit a mutation in the TP53 gene have an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer.
• PTEN: Women with a mutation in the PTEN gene have an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer and a condition called Cowden syndrome.

Other Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

In addition to family history and genetic mutations, there are several other risk factors for breast cancer, including:

• Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older.
• Gender: Women are much more likely than men to develop breast cancer.
• Exposure to estrogen: Women who are exposed to estrogen for longer periods of time, such as those who have started menstruating at an early age or who have gone through menopause later, may have a higher risk of breast cancer.
• Alcohol consumption: Women who drink alcohol regularly have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese may have a higher risk of breast cancer.

Prevention and Early Detection

While there is no surefire way to prevent breast cancer, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
• Get enough sleep.
• Stay up to date with recommended screening tests, such as mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self-exams.
• Talk to your doctor about your risk and any other steps you can take to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Early detection is also key to improving outcomes for women with breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat and the better the chances of a successful outcome. That’s why it’s so important to stay up to date with recommended screening tests.

Recommended Screening Tests for Breast Cancer

• Mammogram: Women between the ages of 50 and 74 should have a mammogram every two years. Women between the ages of 40 and 49 should talk to their doctor about whether they need to have a mammogram.
• Clinical Breast Exam: Women should have a clinical breast exam every 1-3 years starting at age 20, and every year after age 40.
• Self-Exam: Women should be familiar with the look and feel of their breasts, and report any changes to their doctor immediately.

Take Action

Breast cancer affects millions of women and their families each year. By knowing your family history, understanding your risk, and staying up to date with recommended screening tests, you can take action to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Remember, early detection is key to successful treatment, so don’t put off those mammograms or clinical breast exams. Talk to your doctor about your risk and any other steps you can take to stay healthy and reduce your risk of breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

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