About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This statistic leaves many women wondering, “Is breast cancer genetic?” While it can run in families, you can take charge of your health by understanding your risk factors and making healthy lifestyle choices.
Breast cancer can affect any woman, but about 5% to 10% of cases are hereditary. This means genetic factors can be passed down through generations. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are the most recognized ones linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
While some people have a higher risk of breast cancer due to family history, everyone should have access to breast cancer screenings, regardless of their family history or risk level.
Some risk factors are beyond your control. These include (but are not limited to) being born female, aging, and inheriting certain genes.
Black women have about 5% lower breast cancer incidence than White women yet suffer 38% higher mortality, driven in part by later-stage diagnosis Taller women and those with denser breast tissue are also at increased risk. Additionally, having a close relative diagnosed with breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer before age 50 can raise your chances.
Some breast cancer risk factors are unchangeable, while others are influenced by your behaviors and personal choices. Lifestyle-related breast cancer factors include:
Breast implants do not increase the risk of common breast cancer types. However, in rare cases, they may be linked with other cancers like breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers may form in the scar tissue around the implant.
Some breast cancer cases are hereditary due to specific genetic factors. Having one of the following genetic mutations may significantly raise your lifetime risk of developing breast cancer:
Women who have had cancer (or have a family history) often seek genetic counseling to consider testing for BRCA and other mutations. A positive result for a breast cancer mutation suggests a higher risk, but it doesn't guarantee you’ll develop breast cancer. This information can help you make an informed decision about additional preventative options you may want to consider.
Breasts are made up of fibrous, glandular, and fatty tissues. More glandular and fibrous tissue results in denser breasts on a mammogram. Women with dense breasts may have a slightly higher chance of getting breast cancer than those with average breast density.
Dense breast tissue makes cancer harder to find. However, other types of imaging technology, alongside mammograms, can be helpful in identifying possible areas of concern.
There’s no way to completely prevent breast cancer, but you can take steps to lower your risk. Making these healthy changes can also reduce your risk of other serious illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.
There's not much you can do about genetics, but you can make good choices to lower your risk of breast cancer. Understanding your personal risk and learning more about five specific breast cancer facts that every woman should know can help you live a healthier lifestyle.
Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive technique that examines the breast's internal structures for abnormalities. When combined with mammography, it can increase breast cancer detection rates up to 96%, especially in women with dense breast tissue.
Breast ultrasound alone cannot provide you with a diagnosis. However, when you combine ultrasound with mammography, these images can give you a better idea of your breast health. With this information, you (and your doctor) can make informed decisions about what to do next.
Remember, in the fight against breast cancer, it's important to be proactive and know the facts. By keeping yourself informed and taking charge of your healthcare through proactive mammography and ultrasound screening, you can take meaningful steps in managing your care.
HerScan offers access to breast ultrasound testing through the use of state-of-the-art technology conducted by highly experienced and certified sonographers and board-certified radiologists. Schedule now for an ultrasound examination or read more about the process in our FAQ page.