what every woman should know about their family history

GrandmaMotherAunt

Sister

1st degree vs.2nd degreeAll family history is important, but not all occurrences of cancer are equal when it comes to assessing risk. Before your appointment, map out your tree & note occurrences & types of cancer in your family.

early occurrenceFamily member with breast cancer before age 50

Genetic MutationPreviously identified BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation, or others, in the family

rare or uncommonOccurrence of rare types of cancer found in family history, such as male breast cancer, ovarian cancer or triple negative breast cancer at any age

genetic red flags

1st Degree relatives:Mother, Father, Sister, Brother

2nd Degree relatives:Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle

what if my family history indicates increased risk?If your family history indicates increased risk for cancer, it’s important to start a conversation with your doctor. Based on this information & your personal history your doctor will determinethe best preventive care plan for you.

Father

family mattersBreast cancer a�ects 1 out of 8 women in the US.There is no definitive way to predict if you will develop cancer, but your family history

provides vital clues about your level of risk. The more family history (maternal &paternal) you know the more you can potentially do to detect cancer in it’s earliest stages.

Cousin

medical options/preventive care

If you are concerned about your breast cancer risk, or are at high risk, talk to your primary care physician or call DMG’s High Risk Breast Clinic at 630-545-7659.

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FREQUENT SCREENINGMore frequent or additional screening (breast exams, mam-mogram, MRI, ultrasound)

CHEMOPREVENTIONTaking risk-lowering medication/drugs

SURGERYProphylactic mastectomy and/or prophylactic oophorectory

lifestyle choices that can reduce riskmaintain a healthy weight

limitalcohol

eat nutritious foods

exerciseregularly

annual screeningsAnnual mammogram & MRI screenings. Generally, these screenings would begin 10 years prior to the diagnosis of her family member (i.e. Mom diagnosed at 40, daughter starts testing at 30).

recommendations for high risk women

genetic counselingWork with a Genetic Counselor to establish the details of your family history & facilitate testing for genetic mutations. These results will arm you with the information you need to make decisions around your health.

Geneticsyour riskWomen with inherited gene mutations have increased risk for developing other cancers.

&

Grandpa

Multiple Affected Family MembersThree+ family members with related cancers (breast, ovarian & pancreatic) on the same side of the family or two breast cancer in the same person or same side of the family

brca mutationIf someone in a family has a BRCA mutation, it means that their close relatives (parents, siblings, & children) have a 50% chance of having a mutation, too.