Whenever your female parent had breast
cancer, you've an increased chance of acquiring it yourself. Acknowledging your
family history, agreement your personal risk, acquiring appropriate covering
tests and arriving at lifestyle alternatives are authoritative abuses toward
adept breast health, agreeing to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
"If breast cancer dustups your
family, agreement your risk you said it to access your breast health is
important to both your active and emotional well-being," says Cheryl
Perkins, M.D., senior clinical advisor for the Komen Foundation.
Family chronicle and
Added to adventure
Whenever your female parent, sister or
daughter has breast cancer, your risk of acquiring the disease is two to
threefold greater than a woman without this family history. However, being at
increased risk for breast cancer does not guarantee you will develop the
disease. Talk to your provider to discuss your personal risk and his/her
passports for regular screening. Even screening generally includes mammography,
clinical breast exams and breast self-exam. Another screening peradventure
recommended depending on your personal adventure.
Gene Mutations and
Genetical Testing
Only 5 to 10 percent of all breast
cancer is due to heredity. Genetic testing can determine if you inherited the
mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which are key in the development of some breast
cancers. However, having a mutated gene does not guarantee that you will get
breast cancer. If you have concerns about your family history and personal
risk, talk with your doctor about whether genetic testing is right for you.
Taking Preventive Steps-Making Healthy
Lifestyle Choices
Many factors can increase a woman's
chance of getting breast cancer. While some risks, such as being a woman and
getting older, are out of your control, others can be managed. For example,
risk factors such as consuming alcohol, lack of exercise and being overweight are
all factors that you can modify.
Helping Your Mother Through Breast
Cancer
If your mother is diagnosed with
breast cancer, she needs your support. From diagnosis through treatment and
beyond, your mother's co-survivor network of family and friends will be a vital
part of her support system.