Monday, November 23, 2009

Health

On Women Blog - U.S. News & World Report

Breast Cancer in the Family? 7 Things to Consider

November 18, 2008 01:31 PM ET | Deborah Kotz | Permanent Link | Print

Reader Comments

over the counter viagra

LuNiZJ Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.

how to order phentermine on line

IJtnvQ Great site. Good info.

phentermine queen

K8Anii Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Breast Cancer Risk

I am one of three sisters. Our mother and mother's sister both had breast cancer; our mother died of ovarian cancer. Both my sisters have had breast cancer; one tested positive for BRCA1 gene, the other tested negative (assuming the result was accurate). I have not been tested because it doesn't seem to make any difference in our family; I just know my risk is very high. However, I did have a bilateral oophorectomy after my mother's death and I believe this does reduce my risk somewhat of both breast and ovarian cancer.

Other than screening, I am rather fatalistic about this whole thing. I have to assume that I will probably get it, but since our mother and my two sisters both survived I have to hope that I will survive it too.

Reducing Risk Through Lifestyle

A strong family history is certainly a red flag that a woman could have an increased risk for breast cancer. These women should be vigilant about screening, but before considering Tamoxifen or prophylactic mastectomy, they should speak to medical specialists like genetic counselors who can advise them of their risk.

And there is more a woman can do to protect herself. There is very good evidence that lifestyle can make a difference. Some aspects were mentioned in this article, but more information is available on www.ReduceBreastCancerRisk.com.

i agree, i am one of five girls. my mother, 3 aunts and both my grandmothers have had or died of breast cancer. now i feel that one of my sisters or i are definately going to get it. what are our chaces???

Breast Cancer Risk

I strongly disagree with you. Having a grandmother and her

two sisters die of breast cancer does make you at high risk

for breast cancer. These are three sisters in one family

with the disease, a red flag that there might be a genetic

component to their affliction. Have you considered genetic testing?

24 years ago today (11/19/84)I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I am an RN and I have devoted my life to the subject, teaching

women and children about breast cancer and promoting advocacy in my community in California. At the time of my diagnosis I had two infant girls.I since then had two more, and the subject of who's at highrisk and how you treat them is of large importance to me.

You did not mention monitoring the young girl in her 20's and

the value of ultrasound and self exam for those too young for

mammograms, yet with a premenopausal mother that makes them

at higher risk at a younger age.

....just a few things for you to ponder. ~Wendy Azevedo

Add your thoughts

All comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

About On Women

Deborah Kotz, senior writer for U.S. News & World Report, covers everything women care about when it comes to their health. She's often tapping out "Oprah-esque" confessions about how the latest news relates to her personally—whether it's on breast cancer, contraception or easing work-family stress. She'd love to hear your confessions too at onwomen@usnews.com. Also, you can follow Deborah on Twitter at twitter.com/debkotz2.

Health Check

advertisement

NEWSLETTER

Sign up today for the latest headlines from U.S. News & World Report delivered to you free.

RSS FEEDS

Personalize your U.S. News with our feeds of blogs and breaking news headlines.

U.S. NEWS MOBILE

U.S. News daily briefings are also available on your mobile device.

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
Make USNews.com your home page.