I have a big family history of breast cancer, what should I do?!
Question: I have a big family history of breast cancer, what should I do!?
Both of my aunties, my gran and my mum have suffered from it!. I realise that there is a big chance I could be a sufferer as well, so I want to know what I can do to a) decrease my chances and b) catch the cancer early on if I do get it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Even with all those family members who have breast cancer, it is possible you aren't at increased risk!.
Only 5 - 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, the rest are random!. The faulty genes responsible for hereditary breast cancer are rare!.
Do you know if your mother's breast cancer was as a result of her carrying one of the faulty genes!? If it was then you have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene, although inheriting it doesn't mean you would definitely get cancer!.
If your mother doesn't carry one of the faulty genes, then you are not at significantly increased risk of breast cancer!. It can only be passed down from a parent - either one - to a child, it doesn't skip a generation!.
So the first thing you need to do is to find out if your mother's breast cancer was genetic and due to a faulty gene, and if it was you need to talk to your doctor about screening!.
Some people who carry the gene have prophylactic mastectomies to reduce their chances of developing breast cancer!.
What you must do whether you carry the gene or not is regular self-examination, and report any changes in your breasts to your doctor!.
If you are considered to be at greater risk of breast cancer you will have earlier and more frequent breast screening!.
You don't say how old your mother and other relatives were at diagnosis!. The younger a person is, the greater the chance a hereditary factor is involved!. Cancer diagnosed after the age of 50 is far less likely to be hereditary!.
My oncologist was able to reassure me that my breast cancer was not genetic, and that my female relatives were not at increased riskWww@Answer-Health@Com
Only 5 - 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, the rest are random!. The faulty genes responsible for hereditary breast cancer are rare!.
Do you know if your mother's breast cancer was as a result of her carrying one of the faulty genes!? If it was then you have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene, although inheriting it doesn't mean you would definitely get cancer!.
If your mother doesn't carry one of the faulty genes, then you are not at significantly increased risk of breast cancer!. It can only be passed down from a parent - either one - to a child, it doesn't skip a generation!.
So the first thing you need to do is to find out if your mother's breast cancer was genetic and due to a faulty gene, and if it was you need to talk to your doctor about screening!.
Some people who carry the gene have prophylactic mastectomies to reduce their chances of developing breast cancer!.
What you must do whether you carry the gene or not is regular self-examination, and report any changes in your breasts to your doctor!.
If you are considered to be at greater risk of breast cancer you will have earlier and more frequent breast screening!.
You don't say how old your mother and other relatives were at diagnosis!. The younger a person is, the greater the chance a hereditary factor is involved!. Cancer diagnosed after the age of 50 is far less likely to be hereditary!.
My oncologist was able to reassure me that my breast cancer was not genetic, and that my female relatives were not at increased riskWww@Answer-Health@Com
I have a family history of BC as well!. The "normal" age for a baseline mammogram is 40 years old!. I went in at 35 and demanded a baseline mammogram!.
When I went in again at 40, they were delighted that I had a good baseline history on file!. I go in for a mammogram every year, religiously!.
Get that baseline at an early age!.!.!.no matter what they tell you!. Do monthly self exams!. Get yearly exams beginning at 40!. But get that baseline in at an early age!. You'll be glad you did!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
When I went in again at 40, they were delighted that I had a good baseline history on file!. I go in for a mammogram every year, religiously!.
Get that baseline at an early age!.!.!.no matter what they tell you!. Do monthly self exams!. Get yearly exams beginning at 40!. But get that baseline in at an early age!. You'll be glad you did!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Early detection is the key!. Do monthly self breast examinations!. You don't say how old you are, but by age 20 you should be seeing a gynocologist once a year for a check up!. At age 35 you should have your first mammogram, and then yearly at the age of 40 and up!. Because you have a family history of breast cancer, your dr may suggest you do mammograms earlier than 40, which I think is a good idea!. My breast cancer was found on a routine mammogram at the age of 41!. It was not felt by myself, the dr or the surgeon!. As mentioned above, only about 10% of cancers are genetic!.
Staying active and keeping your weight at a normal range is not a bad idea either!.
My best to you!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Staying active and keeping your weight at a normal range is not a bad idea either!.
My best to you!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Check up as often as you can, early detection is the only possible solution!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Same here honey!
Dont panic i'm not, just live your life but keep checking your boobs regulary!
I get my boyf to check mine, that way its fun and safe!!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Dont panic i'm not, just live your life but keep checking your boobs regulary!
I get my boyf to check mine, that way its fun and safe!!Www@Answer-Health@Com
get regular checksWww@Answer-Health@Com
always go for regular check upsWww@Answer-Health@Com