EARLY BREAST CANCER DETECTION
Gender
Breast Cancer occurs nearly 100 times more often in women than in men.
Family History and Genetic Factors
If your mother, sister, father, or child has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, you have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the future. Your risk increases if your relative was diagnosed before the age of 50.
Race
Breast cancer is diagnosed more often in Caucasian women than women of other races.
Menstral and Reproductive History
Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), having your first child at an older age, or never having given birth can increase your risk for breast cancer.
Age
Two out of three women with invasive cancer are diagnosed after age 55.
Personal Health History
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast, you have an increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the other breast in the future. Also, your risk increases if abnormal breast cells have been detected before (such as atypical hyperplasia, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)).
Certain Genome Changes
Mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase your risk for breast cancer. This is determined through a genetic test, which you may consider undergoing if you have a family history of breast cancer. Individuals with these gene mutations can pass the gene mutation onto their children.
DENSE BREAST TISSUE
Having dense breast tissue can increase your risk for breast cancer and make lumps harder to detect. Several states have passed laws requiring physicians to disclose to women if their mammogram indicates that they have dense breasts so that they are aware of this risk. Be sure to ask your physician if you have dense breasts and what the implications of having dense breasts are.
Genetic testing plays a crucial role in the early detection and prevention of breast cancer, particularly for individuals with a family history of the disease. By identifying inherited gene mutations, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, individuals can assess their risk and take proactive measures
GENTIC TESTING
SELF EXAMINATION
Performing regular breast self-examinations (BSE) can help individuals become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts, making it easier to detect any changes. While BSEs are not a substitute for professional screenings like mammograms, they can be a valuable component of personal health awareness