Hi, Lakeland – Kayla here. Last year, I told y’all about my awesome, breast cancer-surviving mom. If you have a family history of breast cancer like I do, you may frequently wonder about mammograms, genetic testing, and what the breast cancer gene even *is* – especially during October (a.k.a. Breast Cancer Awareness month). Since things are stressful enough right now, we’re here to help break it all down with the help of Lakeland Regional Health.
Let’s talk mammograms.
All women should begin getting annual mammograms starting at age 40, earlier in certain circumstances.
While some guidelines might say 45 or 50, ~20% of patients will develop breast cancer prior to age 50 – and early detection significantly improves outcomes.
What do people mean by “the breast cancer gene”?
The “breast cancer genes” typically mean the BRCA1 + BRCA2 genes, two of the most common genes associated with hereditary breast + ovarian cancer. Genetic mutations in these genes cause an increased risk for these cancers in women and an increased risk for breast cancer + prostate cancer in men.
These genes aren’t the main culprit, though. Only ~10% of breast cancers occur because of a genetic mutation.
How family history affects risk
A woman with no family history has a ~12% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. However, women with close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer are at higher risk, and having a genetic mutation in the genes (remember BRCA 1 and 2?) can elevate a woman’s risk further. The American Society of Breast Surgeons recently advocated that all patients with breast cancer undergo genetic testing.
Genetic testing may be right for you.
Hollis Cancer Center provides comprehensive genetic testing for eligible patients along with pre- and post-counseling.
Genetic test results showing an increased risk for certain cancers could lead to changes in a person’s cancer-screening regimen, like performing certain screening tests more frequently or beginning at an earlier age, i.e. mammograms.
If any of this has you stressed, remember: When diagnosed early, the survival rate for breast cancer is 97%. Learn more about Hollis Cancer Center’s breast program and surgeons: Dr. Toan Thien Nguyen + Dr. Vanessa Prowler, the only breast cancer surgeon in the region certified in cancer genetics.
DYK? Lakeland Regional Health is a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, meaning patients get access to a second opinion from a Mayo Clinic Physician with no need to travel + at no extra cost. Ⓟ
