Chances are good that cancer has touched someone you know. In the United States, 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with some form of the disease in their lifetime. Breast cancer is especially common in women, only second to skin cancers. There is a 1 in 8 chance a woman will develop breast cancer. There is also a 7 in 8 chance she will never have the disease.

Still, it’s normal for a woman to worry about developing breast cancer as she ages or upon learning of another family member’s diagnosis. But here’s the thing, only about 5-10 percent of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. And having breast cancer in your family doesn’t mean you will develop cancer too. All it means is that you are at an increased risk for the disease.

If you find out a relative has or had breast cancer, here’s what it could mean for you.

What Your Family Tree Can Tell You

Sometimes the conversations avoided in life are the most important ones to have, like talking with your doctor about your breast cancer risk. If an exploration of your family tree reveals a family medical history of breast cancer, your doctor can help you decide what tests you should do to screen for cancer, when to start, and how often to be tested.

Knowing your family tree and the health histories of family members is often key to your future good health, so it’s important to tell your health care provider if:

• A first-degree female relative, such as your mother, daughter or sister, has been diagnosed with breast cancer — especially before age 50.
• You have a second-degree relative with breast cancer. If a grandmother or aunt has been diagnosed with the disease, your risk increases. 
• A first-degree male relative has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

• You have multiple generations diagnosed with breast cancer on the same side of the family, or there are several individuals who are first-degree relatives to one another, or there are several family members diagnosed under age 50. In these scenarios, the probability increases that there is a breast cancer gene mutation contributing to your family history.

If you fall into one of these categories, it is not cause for panic. This information is meant to empower you to be proactive concerning your breast health and to partner with your health care provider regarding national screening guidelines and recommendations.

“Because some breast cancers are caused by genetic changes passed down in families, your doctor will likely recommend you get DNA testing to check for a genetic mutation,” according to Vanessa Pierce, RN, certified breast health nurse navigator at The Virginia Clay Dorman Breast Care Center at Texas Health Southwest Fort Worth. “The most well-known and studies genetic mutation related to breast cancer is BRCA. However, there are several genetic mutations that have been identified that carry an increased risk for breast cancer.”

What is a BRCA Mutation?

The name “BRCA” is an abbreviation for BReast CAncer gene. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two different genes that produce tumor-suppressing proteins that have been found to impact a person’s chances of developing breast cancer. When they behave as they should, these proteins help repair damaged DNA and prevent cells from developing genetic changes that can lead to cancer. If either of these genes has a mutation, the protein may allow for genetic changes.

People who inherit BRCA mutations face significantly higher risks of developing breast and several other types of cancers. “However, a previous case of breast cancer in a person’s family does not immediately suggest a genetic mutation,” Pierce notes. “That’s why it’s so important to have a health care provider in your court to help make decisions about testing and recommendations. Panel testing is often done because it tests for other genetic mutations along with BRCA1 and BRCA2.”

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Any time something unusual is discovered in the breast, it should be investigated by a health care professional. Look for:

• A new lump in or near the breast or underarm area
• Change in the skin texture of the breast
• Nipple swelling, redness, pain, tenderness, or skin changes affecting the nipple or areola
• Unexplained change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling anywhere on the breast
• Nipple discharge: clear, bloody, or milky

Tips for Early Detection

Be Diligent about Breast Self-Exams

While there are various diagnostic tests for breast health, the simplest exam is one you can perform — a breast self-exam (BSE). “A BSE may help you find a lump in-between your annual well-woman exam or mammogram,” Pierce says. “Women often avoid doing breast self-exams because they have ‘lumpy breasts’ and worry they will not know if it is something to be concerned about. Monthly BSE is more about understanding what your breasts typically feel and look like so that if something changes, it’ll be easier for you to detect it and seek medical attention,” Pierce says.

Keep Up with Your Mammograms

Mammography is the gold standard for routine breast imaging because it can detect the disease in its early stages, before a lump can be felt during a breast exam. Women at average risk for breast cancer should start annual mammograms at age 40. A family history of cancer may indicate that you need to start your screenings earlier.

“If you have a first-degree relative such as a mother, daughter, or sister who developed breast cancer before the age of 50, you should consider mammograms starting 10 years before the earliest age of your relative’s diagnosis,” Pierce says. “For example, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45, you should discuss with your medical provider starting screening mammograms at the age of 35.”*

If you have an increased risk for breast cancer due to family history, a known gene mutation, or other risk factors, it’s important to discuss screening options with your health care provider. Together, you can decide what’s best for you.

Take Charge of Your Breast Health

Should you learn that your family history indicates a high risk of breast cancer, there are ways you can be proactive to maintain your good health. Some common steps for lowering your breast cancer probability include:

• Eating a healthy, balanced, colorful diet
• Keeping your weight in a healthy range
• Exercising and being physically active
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Not smoking

Learn about your risk of developing breast cancer with our Breast Risk Assessment.

To schedule a screening mammogram, visit TexasHealth.org/Breast-Care.

*Mammography is not done on women younger than 30 years old, except in rare cases.