HOW-TO Determine Whether You Face a High Risk of Breast Cancer
How do you know that you’ve got a high risk of breast cancer? You don’t unless you self-educate yourself about this disease and its prevention. Reminding yourself and updating the knowledge about the key breast cancer stats and research data can save a life.
In fact, I encourage you to read up on some updated statistics and findings on the US Breast Cancer Statistics HERE. You will find information that can empower you and help to empower others in your life circle.
Celebration goes beyond a party type of expression of it. Learning something, discovering answers, testing the waters of the unknown through personal experiences can become your ultimate ways of celebrating of your own life and the lives of people around you. Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention is a huge reminder this month.
Also, we are going to celebrate the lives and the stories of women who have been through the dire diagnosis that can ever fall upon any psyche. This word “cancer” alone can break and make a dent in anybody when we allow it.
Celebrate Woman Today would like to reach out, support and bring into our lives the Breast Cancer Awareness – or any cancer awareness – with the powerful examples, data, medical research and conversations with some powerful experts in these areas.
Today, you are going to hear from Scott Weissman, Genetic Counselor at Chicago Genetic Consultants. Scott is giving us some valuable points of the researched data that every woman needs to be aware of. Here are tips and facts you can use when interpreting research data on breast cancer. In fact, such data could support your decision-making when it comes to breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Illuminate. Encourage. Shine!
Campaña de Concientización Contra el Cáncer de Mama.
Alienta. Incentiva. Brilla!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so it is important that you take a few minutes to better understand whether your risk of developing breast cancer is higher than average. Knowing this information will allow your healthcare professionals to determine whether you:
– Need early and increased breast cancer screening with both mammogram and MRI of the breast
– Are a candidate to take medication to reduce your breast cancer risk
– Should be referred to a genetic counselor or other genetics professional to discuss genetic testing.
About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer, which equates to a 12% chance of developing breast cancer over the course of a woman’s life. However, not all women face the same level of risk as there are factors known to increase a woman’s risk.
Factors that Increase Breast Cancer Risk
– Early age at first menstrual period (less than age 11y)
– Birth of a first child after age 35
– Menopause on setting at later age (greater than age 55y)
– History of a biopsy of the breast, or abnormality found on the biopsy (atypical cells or lobular carcinoma in situ)
– Dense breast tissue identified on mammogram
– Family history of breast cancer in women or men or ovarian cancer
– Mutation in a hereditary breast cancer gene (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CHEK2)
– Elevated body mass index (BMI)
If you have one or more of the above listed risk factors, your risk of breast cancer may be elevated and warrants bring this up with your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional can refer you to a genetic counselor or other provider who can perform a formal cancer risk assessment.
During a cancer risk assessment, a genetic counselor will ask you about your personal medical history and will map out a complete family history to see who in your family had cancer.
Importance of Breast Cancer Screening Beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month
From this information, the genetic counselor can run computer models that quantify your risk of developing breast cancer. The American Cancer Society and National Comprehensive Cancer Network, two organizations that create cancer screening and treatment guidelines, both recommend increased breast cancer screening with yearly mammogram and breast MRI. They also recommend as more frequent clinical breast exams by a healthcare professional for women who have a lifetime risk of breast cancer that is greater than 20-25%, or about double the average breast cancer risk.
Additionally, a genetic counselor can help determine whether you are a candidate to take a medication called tamoxifen or raloxifene (Novladex or Evista). These medications, if used for at least 5 years, reduce a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer by at least 50%.
If you are a candidate, typically the genetic counselor would refer you to a medical oncologist to have a more complete discussion of the pros and cons of taking a medication for breast cancer prevention, termed chemoprevention.
Genetic Testing Is Part of Cancer Awareness
The genetic counselor or other genetics professional could also assess whether you or someone in your family is a candidate for genetic testing. Genetic testing can help identify whether you face a very high risk (~40% or higher) of breast cancer that would warrant discussions of taking a more preventative approach with the breast cancer risk.
In addition to chemoprevention, a woman may choose to have her breasts preventatively removed (risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy) so that she significantly lowers the likelihood of getting breast cancer.
This is something that not all women choose to do, but a genetic counselor can walk someone through the decision-making process to see if this a procedure that makes sense for the individual.
Genetic testing can determine whether a woman faces an increased risk of other cancers (e.g., ovarian or uterine cancer) and whether any other increased cancer screening or prevention is worth discussing.
The genetic information can also benefit her other family members, men and women both, as many of the genes that cause breast cancer can increase the risk of cancer in men (prostate, breast, pancreas, colon).
Family Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
There are several key ways to know you have high risk of breast cancer. By investigating your personal and family history risk factors, you can learn more about what your chance is of developing breast cancer. This will better arm you to develop an individualized cancer screening regimen to, ideally, detect cancer at its earliest stage if it develops or take additional steps to minimize the chance of breast cancer ever occurring.
Speak to your family members about whether you have a family history of breast or other cancers. And if you do, and you have any of the other risk factors listed above, speak to your healthcare provider and ask for a referral to see a genetic counselor or other genetics professional.
Get Informed, Empower Yourself and Take Control of Your Breast Health
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
There are several ways any woman can do to build a strong preventative arsenal of tools against breast cancer.
Educate and remind yourself about this disease. New research and facts are discovered all the time that can make a difference in your understanding of it.
Do a monthly breast self-exam. You are the one who knows her body the best. If you see changes in breast tissue, any pain, then make a doctor appointment right away. Don’t worry, just call your doctor. Early detection is the key in treating breast cancer successfully.
Add wholefoods into your daily life. It’s proven again and again that powerful antioxidants in leafy greens, fruit and colorful veggies add a healthy cell turnover. Besides, your skin will look awesome, and the energy levels will increase.
In addition to the above, do some physical exercise. Move in any way that brings you joy. And with that, your emotional positivity will be added to one of the most positively overpowering mechanisms to fight any cancer, including breast cancer.
Illuminate. Encourage. Shine!
Campaña de Concientización Contra el Cáncer de Mama.
Alienta. Incentiva. Brilla!
More Stories on Breast Cancer To Inspire and Support You
Eating during breast cancer could be challenging. This eBook has been created with Lisa Turner, a master of healthy recipe creator for brands and companies in this country. Download the entire eBook by going to one of the posts with recipe from the book.
I am concerned about the women who place their cell phones in their bras.
I wonder why Marijuana is not talked about more in regards to treating/preventing breast cancer?.
I think breast cancer prevention and detection is very important and needs to be a priority in our country.
I think wearing bras might contribute to breast cancer.
I have a feeling aluminum is deodorant plays a huge role.
Breastfeeding decreases your risk.
I am a big fan of garlic, avocado and ginger.
Anne,
All of the ingredients you like are my favorite as well.
I always get my mammogram once a year and encourage my friends and family to get it done too.
Sharon,
You are my hero. Good for you and your family!
I feel like if you keep getting tested, they will find something.
I feel that this is a taboo topic that is not discussed much. THank you.
This was a super informative post thank you for sharing this one. There are some tips listed that I did not know about.
I like to cook with garlic and ginger.
I refuse mamograms.
Being proactive is so important. I didn’t know about all the different factors that contribute to a higher risk.
Thanks for the info
Very interesting. I am growing ginger in my garden.
So important and informative. I don’t have any of the risk factors, but I make sure I get my annual mammogram and try to eat healthy to reduce other factors.
I worry about cancer and try to get screens for breast cancer yearly. Also do the other visits that help with early detection. It’s very scary but better to know.
It is so important to make sure you address your risk for breast cancer. Thank you so much for this! It’s crucial to make sure you keep track of your health risks.
This is enlightening. I didn’t realize those who had a family history of ovarian cancer were at a higher risk. I also didn’t realize the stats were so high for women who get it!
how useful! nothing is more important than prevention especially when it goes to cancer. if you know you are in the risk group you might add special steps to secure your future. it’s important to talk a lot about it during month of October but frankly we should talk about it all year long
This reminds me that I need to schedule my next mammogram! I also do self exams pretty often.
Way to go, Monica!
This is all really good to know. I think this is such an important topic that needs to be discussed.
Totally with you, Kathy. We need more info and more frequently address these issues. At least once a year during the National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Mammograms, get them every time you are recommended! I think while some are more at risk than others, every woman is at some risk.
This is so important and great information!
In Belgium we get invited every 2 years when you pass the age of 50 for a mammogram – Seems the risk is not that high for me either 🙂
Renata,
I think self-exam and self-attention really play a huge role in our well-being. We know our bodies well and need to be more attentive when something seems not right.
This is incredibly important information. I’m all about preventive care and doing what you can to be healthy.
Krysten,
Self-care and attention to any changes can save lives.
Thanks for sharing awareness, it’s really an important tasks to make sure that we are safe from these disease.
Rose Ann,
Yes, I agree that bringing awareness and self-education improves our odds to live on.
Such an awesome reminder to us all to be self aware not only during the month of October all year round. Early detection is definitely key with breast cancer.
True, Kileen,
Reminders and self-exams are some of the key ingredients for us all for a more robust health.
Thanks for reminding us about cancer awareness. It’s so important to prevent it, to do everything possible for a healthier life, but also to be careful with our body and to listen it!
Catalina,
You’re very welcome to this information.
The most important thing is to know + do it.
Hugs, my awesome.
Great post. Thanks for reminding to stay healthy, Breast cancer is really an awful ailment. We should stay ahead of it.
This is really helpful and informative. It is really important to be aware of the signs.
Toni,
Reminders are one of the important steps in prevention.
It is so important to be checked regularly. The risks are never zero for us.
Kita,
Agree with you that we need to be aware of and take steps in checking our boobies every month as a preventative step.
This is an important topic for women’s health. So many aren’t doing yearly checks,
Fatima,
I am not going far for an example. I have to remind myself to do the preventative checkups.
Hugs, my awesome blogging sistah.
While I don’t match any of those things, I do want to make sure I have a mammogram this year. I’ve actually never had one. My OB/GYN doesn’t recommend them regularly.
This is such an important topic. I think we all need to learn more about it. I thought you did a great job with this post. There is a lot of great info here.
This is good info for all ladies to know. I will be doing my screenings
That quick scan is certainly going to help a lot of ladies. Thank you for helping in spreading the awareness. Having lost an aunt to breat cancer, I don’t leave any chance to make people aware about it 🙂
This topic is so important and we should go and have regular check ups for it.
Laura
This is such helpful advice! I’m sure this will mean the difference between life and death for some people.
I know my daughter will need to keep checking and testing over time. Her mother’s family has a high risk for cancer, and a couple of had breast cancer already. So she will need to be aware and keep checking.
This is such an important topic that need to be discussed. I love how some of us are raising awareness about breast cancer. I have a family member which suffers from this and I really want to share this.
I’m so stubborn about these things, I need to go see my OB Gyne soon.
I lost my mother and my aunt to breast cancer. Two of my cousins are breast CA survivors. Me and my sisters go for a mammogram every year, right around our birthdays. It is our birthday gift to ourselves. Better to catch the illness early for greater chances of beating the illness.
I was just thinking about this the other day and now this today ! Good to know the reasons and causes etc
I remember how we were thought to check for any signs regualry. It is better to be aware about this before it’s too late.
thanks for sharing this. this can help in my country where there are rising cases of cancer and many have little knowledge or none at all
Thank you for all the helpful information on breast cancer awareness. It is so important to be aware and self conscious of some of the things to be looking for when seeing if you are a high risk for breast cancer
I didn’t even know there were signs to keep an eye on. A friend was recently diagnosed and received treatment for months. She’s cancer-free today!
Thank you for the list to determine risk of breast cancer. I think every woman needs to answer these questions to see if they need to be more observant.
I never really had any family members who got breast cancer. However, it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t check or get a mammogram! You never know when you get cancer, so it is better to check periodically!
Thank you for sharing these details and advice! I really need to do a check up!
This is so important! Everyone should be screened. My aunt had breast cancer and luckily she found it early enough! <3
I think this is such an important topic. I love that October is a month for awareness too. It’s nice to be able to know more about breast cancer and some ways to determine it.
Breast health is so crucial! I was just watching a special last night on how some men get it too! Very terrible!
My mother-in-law is a breast cancer survivor and I lost a friend, who was only in her early 40s, two years ago to breast cancer. And I know many other women who have or had breast cancer. I think all of us are affected by it one way or another. Thank you for bringing awareness to this horrible disease.
Spreading awareness on this topic is important.
you cant get enough og information on breast cancer
This is a very informative article
I was told I have a cancer gene but that was it.Nothing was said about what that means .
As much as we’d like to just push the idea of cancer to the back of the mind, it definitely has to be considered regularly. Early detection is the key to survival, so be aware of your risk level.
Due to my family history, I have mammograms twice a year.
I have a friend going through the fill genetic testing right now. I don’t know if I would want to know or not. That’s a tough choice.
This is such a great post with so much information, and is very helpful!
Awareness and early detection are important. This information is much needed. I’m in my 10th month of treatment for Stage 4 invasive breast cancer.
Thanks for all the info.
Great information to help with breast cancer awareness . My mom had it so important to see your dr for regular check ups .
Thank you so much for spreading such great information! When you are in need of good information in a time of worry it is nice to have it all innone place.
Sarah,
I am glad this information could help someone.
Awareness is so important! I have lost people I love to breast cancer. Stressing the importance of screening, self-exams, and statistics is imperative to saving lives! Thank you!
Very good read! Very informative on a subject that needs to be talked about more often! Thank you for sharing.
Raising awareness is so important!
I think breast cancer awareness is important. I have friends that have had it before 20 years old and I know older women who have had it as well. Early detection is important for women and men
Great tips! I would love the DNA screen.
get screened early do what you can to prevent risk.
Thank you for this article. I think early detection is so important.
Thanks for the important information. Prevention and early detection are the key!
Wow! That was an eye opener. I had no idea I was that much higher of a risk! I have at 3-4 of those on the list! It’s a good thing I am good about getting my yearly mammograms! Coincidentally I already have my mammogram for this year scheduled for this coming up Thursday Oct. 4th, as a matter of fact.
Thanks for the info! My mother in law is in remission after having a double mastectomy and chemo. Had my first mammogram last year and so far so good. We need to be informed for ourselves and each other!
Such a great post. Thank you for sharing this great information.
Such vital information. Thanks for sharing.
So much information! Thanks
Thank you for sharing this information, I just went again for another breast exam and Thank GOD , everything came back good .
@tisonlyme143
For as much as I thought I was educated on this, there were some risks I did not know. Stuff to look for. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Although no one in my family have ever had breast cancer, I wasn’t aware of some of the risk factors listed such as beginning menstruation young, or having a first child after 35. Such an important post, thank you!!
Thank you for sharing. Excellent to know.
This post is very informative! There were things that I didn’t even know but learned from reading this. Thank you for sharing!
These tips are all good to know.
I had no idea that beginning menstruating early increased your risk of breast cancer!
This was a long article, but worth the read. A lot to think about. I’m always interested in the subject, as both my mom and an aunt have had breast cancer.
Very important. I will pass this on.
Very informative ,thank you. I had 2 Friends who had Breast Cancer and i believe there is Never too much Information and Reminders
My grandmother had breast cancer. She did the genetic tests and didn’t have the mutations, so thank goodness for that! But I still believe in taking breast health *very* seriously. Thanks for the informative post!
This is such great information. It Is so important to have the testing to be in the know for how you are doing.
I’m very lucky not to really have any early indicators, although my BMI has gone up steadily as I’ve grown older. But, that doesn’t make me exempt, so really important to monitor yourself.
Thank you for the great information on breast cancer! Such an important topic!
I support all efforts to ride the world of cancer breast or otherwise. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you for such great info on breast cancer. I was glad my insurance covered a 3D mammogram so it showed more detail!
Giant Sis,
It’s great your insurance coverage did this.
I wish all women would receive it. Not at this point of time and state or our healthcare system.
That is why we need to be aware of it and take our own steps to protect our well-being by doing the right thing and putting money where it is more than justified.
I have been doing breast exams for along time now, I also go to my gynecologist every year, and I also went to have some moles checked this year at the dermatologist and ended up having one removed and checked for cancer. It came back benign.
June,
This is excellent what you do!
We need to support each other and get reminders from friends and family. For some, these reminders could be a savior.
This is a great article about an important topic! One of my grandparents had breast cancer, so I will need to be on the lookout.
Self exams are a great way to stay ahead of the game.
Thanks for increasing awareness of factors to look for to increase prevention and early detection. This is an article I will share with family members.
I have a very low risk of breast cancer. However, my tissue is cystic and have had two biopsies. The stress involved in the wait period opens my eyes to that which others at higher risk go through. Everyone needs to have the mammograms to help catch this disease at an early stage.
Thank you for raising awareness on such an important subject. It is so important people are aware of the risk factors and get seen as soon as possible.
My mom had colon cancer, so I know that that puts me at risk for that type of cancer. It’s always good to check and be aware so you can prevent it early.
This is such a great post! I never realized all of the other factors that could make a person more susceptible to getting breast cancer. I am all for early detection and screenings, always safe than sorry! Thanks for sharing!
This is such a great post and reminder. So many women just plain forget about setting up an appointment, but it is so important!
Great post. Thanks for sharing. Like they say, prevention is better than cure. So it’s best to be aware of any new changes and take proper care ahead of time, rather than later!
Oh wow, this is really an awesome post and glad that you share this awareness. I need to go for some genetic testing.
Such an important subject. It’s so important to get checked regularly, because catching the bad stuff early is often essential.. Thank you for the reminder btw… Due for my checkup 😉
My mom had breast cancer at age 65. My sister and I have been getting an annual mammogram since we were 40.
Thank you for this post! I am going to look more into genetic testing, both my aunt and Grandma had breast cancer and I have a fear of developing it as well!
wow! how interesting and every women should know this! luckily in canada we have a very good system in place for early detection!
Pat,
That’s what we need here, in the States!
Thank you for spreading awareness on this subject. A lot of the women don;t know where to start and you have made it so easy for them to atleast start thinking of it.
Thanks for your post. It is important the early detection because it is a silent killer.
I wish that devices for this detection are available everywhere and accessible to the public, for free so that everyone can have a test.
Blair,
I can’t agree more with you!
Yes, we do need these services to be available at a very affordable prices. Only a handful can go and do at this point.
But it all goes back to that initial question: We need affordable medical system.
I know the importance of early detection. Thanks for an informative and important post
I am all for cancer detection as early as possible. I am also all for prevention. I am still quite young but I am doing whatever I can to reduce my risk for breast cancer in the future.