Family History and Risk of Breast Cancer

Family history is one of the significant breast cancer risk factors but it might not increase your risk as much as you think.

When the doctor asks you about members of your family who have had breast cancer, we are looking for specific features that suggest an abnormal gene is being passed down through your family.

It is important that you are carefully assessed if you have a family history of breast cancer to see whether your risk is increased.

The doctor will ask about all your family members who have had breast or ovarian cancer and how old they were when they were diagnosed. Your risk will then be assessed as low, medium or high risk.

Women who are at high risk of breast cancer may be advised to see their specialist more frequently. The specialist may also suggest referral to a genetic councillor to discuss gene testing.

It is important to remember that having one relative diagnosed with breast cancer when they are elderly does not significantly increase your risk, and that the vast majority of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a significant family history.

The specialists at Breast Associates are highly experienced at helping you assess your risk of breast cancer based on your family history.