In the United States, a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 8. Risk factors for breast cancer include: sex (female) and increased age. A family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate and pancreatic cancer are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Approximately 10 percent of newly diagnosed breast cancers are associated with a positive family history. It is important to provide a detailed family history to our staff during your initial visit, and keep us updated as your family history changes. We are interested in these questions to better determine your risk as an individual for breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. If the physicians at Nash OBGYN determine that you have an increased risk for breast cancer, based off of your family history, future plans could include early Mammography screening and genetic testing. Genetic counseling, if required, is always offered and provided through a genetic counseling office that can walk you and your family through the risk and benefits of testing and what positive results could mean other family members. When gathering your family history for our records, please make sure to ask the following of your loved ones: Is there anyone in the family who has had…..
- Breast cancer at age 45 years or less - History of ovarian, tubal, breast, colon or peritoneal cancer
For the average risk women, mammograms should be started at 40 years old and completed every 1-2 years. Beyond 75 years old the decision to continue is based upon a woman’s life expectancy and co-morbidities.
If you ever have any questions regarding your personal risks, please contact our office to schedule an appointment to discuss this with your doctor.
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