How Likely Are You To Get Breast Cancer If Your Mother Had It?

Last updated: 2024/08/26 at 8:18 AM

The Madras Tribune

Contents

Family History: The Overlooked predictor of breast cancer in young women.Given These Intricacies

VERIFIED By Dr Karishma Kirti, Consultant Breast Specialist and Oncoplastic Surgeon

How Likely Are You To Get Breast Cancer If Your Mother Had It? — Exercising During Chemotherapy: Hina Khan Seen Working Out Post Breast Cancer Detection, Is It Safe?

Family History: The Overlooked predictor of breast cancer in young women.

Family history and breast cancer have a strong correlation. For many, this risk is primarily linked to the most well-known of these, the likelihood of developing breast cancer, with lifetime risks soaring up to 70%. However, the genetic landscape extends beyond these PTEN and PALB2, contributing to heightened risk, although they are less frequently encountered.

The significance of family history becomes particularly apparent when considering the influence of first-degree relatives mothers, sisters, or daughters diagnosed with breast cancer nearly doubles a woman’s risk. This risk escalates if the relative was diagnosed before menopause or if multiple first-degree relatives are affected.
The pattern of breast cancer occurrence within a family, especially across several generations or at unusually young ages, often points to a hereditary predisposition, suggesting the possible presence of an inherited genetic mutation.
While female breast cancer is more common, the occurrence of male breast cancer in a family can also be a red flag for hereditary cancer syndromes, particularly those involving BRCA2 mutations. Although rare, male breast cancer strongly indicates the need for genetic counselling, especially if other family members have also been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The type of breast cancer present in the family can further refine risk assessment. For example, a family record of triple-negative breast cancer is usually linked to BRCA1 modifications. Moreover, specifically, this increases the risk of breast cancer in these populations.

Given These Intricacies

Individuals with a strong family history of breast cancer are often advised to seek genetic counselling and consider genetic testing. Hereditary attorneys can assist in evaluating the possibility of gene cancer syndromes and examine the importance of hereditary testing, including the possible advantages and dangers. For those who test positive for high-risk mutations, enhanced surveillance becomes a critical strategy. This may include starting mammograms or MRI screenings earlier and performing them more frequently.

In some cases, preventive measures like chemopreventive medicines like tamoxifen or prophylactic surgeries, such as mastectomy or oophorectomy, are considered to reduce cancer risk:

Family history encompasses more than just genetics; it also includes shared environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and carcinogenic exposure. These elements, alongside hereditary prejudices, collectively affect the breast cancer threat.
While a family chronology of breast cancer is a substantial danger element, it is one part of a big mystery that produces breast cancer, and only 5-10% of all breast cancers are related to heredity.
Age, reproductive history, hormone exposure, and lifestyle choices are vital in determining an individual’s overall risk for those with a strong family history.