Statistics show that about one in 8 U.S. women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In Berrien County, 4,000 women meet the definition of being at high risk for developing breast cancer. For this reason, it’s important to get yearly mammograms and perform monthly breast self-exams.
There are many factors that can put someone at risk of developing breast cancer:
- Family history
- Genetics
- Lifestyle factors
- Personal factors
“Some of these risk factors we have control over and others we can’t change,” said nurse practitioner, Kathryn Vera, NP. “Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, would be things you can control.”
What does it mean to be high risk?
Women considered to be at high risk for breast cancer have a lifetime risk of one in five, or 20%. Some factors that determine if you’re at high risk include, but are not limited to:
- You have a family history of breast cancer diagnosed at or before 50 years of age and are 20 years old or older
- You have multiple close relatives with a history of breast cancer
- Your family has a known gene mutation with associated increased breast cancer risks
If any of these factors apply to you, your physician may refer you to the high risk cancer program to evaluate your individual risks and determine appropriate screenings. Your family history will be reviewed by a genetic counselor and recommendations will be provided.
“All of your health care providers should be aware of your family health history,” said genetic counselor, Samantha Witt. “Five to 10% of cancers are hereditary, so providing an accurate history can help a genetic counselor look for specific patterns.”
What is the high risk cancer program?
The goals of the program are to identify patients who are at risk of developing breast cancer, expedite breast cancer diagnosis and delivery, and provide genetic counseling before and after testing.
“We’re committed to a 72-hour turnaround time from biopsy to diagnosis delivery,” said Kathryn. “This can greatly help reduce the anxiety many women face after hearing there is an area of concern on their initial imaging results.”
If you have any questions regarding your risk, please call the high risk cancer program at 269.932.9337 or fill out a form here.
Watch the video below to learn how you stay one step ahead of cancer:
Jan 4, 2021 Reporting from Niles, MI
My family tree has a history of breast cancer. Am I at high risk?
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/health-wellness/ask-the-experts/ask-the-experts/2021/01/04/my-family-tree-has-a-history-of-breast-cancer.-am-i-at-high-risk
Jan 4, 2021
Jan 4, 2021
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Statistics show that about one in 8 U.S. women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In Berrien County, 4,000 women meet the definition of being at high risk for developing breast cancer. For this reason, it’s important to get yearly mammograms and perform monthly breast self-e
My family tree has a history of breast cancer. Am I at high risk?
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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