Genetics

Carrying one of these known mutations significantly increases your risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, therefore identifying if you are at risk is key to reducing your risk. There are several RED FLAGS that should alert you to obtain counseling to determine if you or your family may be an increased risk:

Breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 50
Family history of multiple cases of early-onset breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Breast and ovarian cancer in the same woman
Bilateral breast cancer or 2 primary tumors in same breast
Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
Family history of male breast cancer at any age
ER-, PR-, Her 2 neu- breast cancer in a woman under the age of 60
Personal history of pancreatic cancer at any age, with 2 close relatives with breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer at any age

Learn more about the BRCA gene at the National Cancer Insititute (NCI) Factsheet Read the “Living in my Genes” blog entry by Dr. DuPree. Even women who carry the gene or have a family history can decrease their risk with lifestyle modification. Learn more about genetic testing and support at FORCE – Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered.