Breast Cancer in the Family? 7 Things to Consider

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Cool site.

low cost links of AL 6:54AM May 07, 2010

And this is why I like www.usnews.com. Surprising posts.

Donovan of AL 6:51PM March 10, 2010

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.

Neroli Bell 5:47PM May 16, 2009

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.

Carol of DC 11:58AM November 20, 2008

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???

Meagan Emord of CO 12:56PM November 19, 2008

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

Wendy Azevedo of CA 3:02AM November 19, 2008