What Should I Know About My Breast Cancer Risk?

October is approaching, which means so too is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is something that has touched so many of us in some form, and it’s so important for women of all ages to understand their risk of developing it. This month, we wanted to use a blog post to discuss a few things that every woman should know about breast cancer and what can be done to reduce their risk of developing it as the years go on.

Family History Is Incredibly Important

It cannot be said enough how important it is for women to know their family history of breast cancer. Having a history of breast cancer on either side of your family tree can be a leading indicator of increased breast cancer risk and something that no one should take lightly. While breast cancer cannot be fully prevented, having this knowledge is crucial when it comes to being proactive and taking additional steps to ensure that any possible irregularities are detected as early as possible. It’s also very important to know if you have a family history of BRCA mutations, as this greatly increases the chances of developing breast cancer in your lifetime

Some Breast Cancer Risk Factors Can Be Controlled

While there is obviously no way to control certain breast cancer risk factors like your family history or genetics, some breast cancer risk factors can increase based on certain lifestyle habits and factors. For instance, being overweight and not exercising regularly can increase a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer. Alcohol consumption and use of nicotine products can also contribute to breast cancer risk. It’s imperative to speak with your healthcare provider at your next check-up to see what you can do to cut down on your risk.

Other Breast Issues Can Increase Breast Cancer Risk

It’s a fact that women who have had breast cancer before are more likely to experience the condition for a second time. However, other noncancerous health concerns that affect the breasts can also increase breast cancer risk. This includes atypical ductal hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ. If you have experienced any breast-related health concerns in the past, it’s important to be extra vigilant.

Knowing about your risk can be incredibly helpful, but there is obviously no substitute for regular breast cancer screenings. Catching breast cancer in its early stages is a vital step towards effectively treating it if it should occur. For more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. We offer a wide variety of general healthcare services for people of all ages at our Snellville office, located very close to Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.