At 35, I was stunned to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. With no family history, I thought I had nothing to worry about. After all, I’d found three lumps over the past decade, and the first two had been benign. Why would this one, discovered during a self-exam, be any different? Unfortunately, I was at risk for breast cancer, a fact I was unaware of until it was too late. Over the past four years, since my diagnosis, I have dedicated myself to educating others by sharing my experience. I was active, maintained a healthy diet, and had yearly check-ups with my gynecologist. So how did I become part of the one in eight women who face invasive breast cancer? It’s crucial to understand your own breast cancer risk.
To gain insights, I spoke with Dr. Anjali Malik, a breast radiologist, to gather essential information about breast health. First, we often hear about the need for women to know their breast cancer risk, but what does that entail? How do we determine our risk, and what steps can be taken once we have this information?
Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Dr. Malik explains that there are both nonmodifiable and modifiable risk factors related to breast cancer. Understanding both is vital because while some risks are beyond our control, others can be managed. She emphasizes the importance of identifying whether you need to undergo monitoring for breast cancer before turning 40. A “formal risk algorithmic calculation” can be performed with the assistance of a qualified healthcare provider.
It’s understandable to feel hesitant about learning our risks—after all, what we don’t know can’t hurt us, right? Wrong. Gaining awareness of our risk factors can be empowering. Instead of waiting for cancer to potentially affect us, we can take charge of our health by keeping track of our bodies, pursuing regular exams, conducting self-checks, and even considering genetic testing for our own and our relatives’ benefit. Moreover, we can address the modifiable risk factors highlighted by Dr. Malik.
Key Risk Factors
Several risk factors contribute to breast cancer. According to Dr. Malik, the two most significant are age and being female. This includes cisgender women, transgender men who went through female puberty, or transgender men undergoing hormone therapy. Nonmodifiable risks include a family history of premenopausal breast cancer, known genetic mutations, and a family history of male breast cancer. Additionally, individuals with Black ancestry or of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, those who received high doses of chest radiation, started menstruating before age 12, or experienced menopause after age 55 also have heightened risks.
While this information may seem daunting, there is hope. Three key modifiable risk factors can help reduce breast cancer risk: limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular exercise. Dr. Malik references the American Cancer Society’s recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each week. These factors are interconnected—reducing alcohol consumption, managing weight, and staying active not only improve overall health but also lower breast cancer risk.
Although oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies are widely used, Dr. Malik stresses the importance of discussing these options with your doctor, weighing their benefits against your personal risk level.
Taking Action
I asked Dr. Malik whether lifestyle changes genuinely impact breast cancer risk. She affirmed that such changes would positively affect overall health, not just breast cancer risk. Given that we all face at least a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer, taking every possible measure to mitigate that risk is essential.
What should you do if your risk is higher than average? Dr. Malik advises consulting with your healthcare provider. It’s important to note that approximately 75% of those diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history, and only 5-15% of cases are genetic. Most women who develop breast cancer do not have a hereditary component.
For individuals who are adopted or have limited biological family information, Dr. Malik recommends seeking out a genetic counselor to discuss whether genetic testing could be appropriate. She also suggests reaching out to agencies involved in egg, sperm, or embryo donation to obtain any available medical records.
For those identified as being at high risk for breast cancer, there are proactive measures available. Dr. Malik encourages earlier and more frequent screenings, including the use of MRI in conjunction with mammograms. If genetics indicate a need, early family planning and egg freezing may also be viable options.
As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I frequently remind others that early detection is a life-saver. Dr. Malik concurs. She shared a story about a patient who reconnected with her biological family and discovered a history of breast cancer, which led her to undergo genetic testing. The results revealed an early stage of breast cancer, allowing her to take action and ultimately save her life. “We want to empower you into action, not anxiety,” Dr. Malik emphasizes.
While it may seem that some individuals—like myself—shouldn’t face breast cancer, the harsh reality is that it is all too common among women. However, as we continue to learn about the causes of cancer and the avenues for treatment, I remain grateful for modern medicine and dedicated professionals like Dr. Malik. Understanding your risk, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, and prioritizing check-ups could save your life.
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Summary
Understanding breast cancer risk is crucial for proactive health management. By identifying both nonmodifiable and modifiable factors, women can take steps to mitigate their risk. Regular screenings, lifestyle changes, and consultations with healthcare professionals are essential for early detection and intervention. Emphasizing empowerment over anxiety, the importance of being informed cannot be overstated, particularly for those at higher risk.