CHI - St. Joseph Regional Health System - TX

I Found a Lump. Now What? Don't panic. According to the American Cancer Society, most breast lumps aren't breast cancer. But just to be safe, if you notice any concerning changes or lumps in your breasts, schedule a checkup with your healthcare provider. If a breast screening finds anything abnormal, additional tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, might be performed so the doctor can take a more detailed look at the lump. If there is any suspicion of the area being cancerous, a sample is taken from the abnormality and examined. Commonly known as a biopsy, this procedure is the only way to tell if cancer is present. There are different types of biopsies, so discuss your best option with your healthcare provider. While most cases of breast cancer are unrelated to genetics, women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations do have an elevated risk. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 55 to 65 percent of women with a BRCA1 gene mutation and 45 percent of women with a BRCA2 gene mutation will develop breast cancer. UNDERSTANDING BRCA GENE MUTATIONS BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are not the only gene mutations that contribute to breast cancer, but they are the mutations most associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, according to GeneReviews. According to Susan G. Komen, signs you should be tested for breast cancer gene mutations include: multiple family members with breast and/or ovarian cancer family members who were diagnosed with breast cancer younger than age 45 A male family member with breast cancer A diagnosis of breast cancer younger than age 50 a diagnosis or family history of breast cancer in both breasts Genetic testing can conrm whether or not you carry a BRCA gene mutation and help you understand if preventive measures, such as a prophylactic mastectomy, may be appropriate. However, testing is not recommended for everyone. To determine if genetic testing is right for you, speak with your doctor. THREE STEPS TO REDUCE BREAST CANCER RISK Some factors in breast cancer aren't preventable, but the following steps can help reduce your risk. Watch your alcohol intake. According to the American Cancer Society(ACS), even modest alcohol consumption can contribute to breast cancer. Follow diet and exercise guidelines. Those recommendations are there for a reason. They play a role in nearly all aspects of health, including breast cancer. Get appropriate screenings. The ACS instructs women between ages 45 and 54 to have an annual mammogram. Women ages 55 and over should have a mammogram every other year as long as they are in good health and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years. 5-10% of breast cancers can be linked to gene mutations —BreastCancer.org Schedule Mammogram! 5 chistjoseph.org /// CHI ST. JOSEPH HEALTH should have a mammogram every other year as long as they are in good health and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years. A Picture of Risk Many things influence a woman's breast cancer risk. While age, family history and genetic mutations are often the first issues that come to mind, other considerations may also play a role in your breast cancer risk, including: Ethnicity—Caucasian women have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer after menopause than women of other ethnicities. Dense breast tissue—Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, and tumors are often more difficult to spot on a mammogram if you have dense breasts. Diet—Women who are overweight have an increased risk of breast cancer. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help keep weight in check. Drinking alcohol also increases your risk of breast cancer. Exercise habits—Spending too much time on the couch and not enough time on the move may raise your risk of breast cancer.

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