Fact. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. That’s why we continue to bring awareness and education to the fight against this disease.
Dr. Suzan Cheng, board-certified radiation oncologist at The Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital, encourages women to take charge of their breast health by sharing her insights on breast cancer risk factors, early detection, and warning signs.
Q: How common is breast cancer?
Dr. Cheng: One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Many factors influence a woman’s likelihood of developing breast cancer, including age, race, lifestyle factors, and family genetics. It is important for women to know their risk factors, especially when there is a family history of breast cancer.
Q: If I have a family history of breast cancer, how does that change my risk?
Dr. Cheng: For women who have a first-degree family member (mother, sister, or daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer, the risk doubles. If that first-degree relative was under the age of 40 at the time of diagnosis, the risk increases further. Having two first-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer triples the risk. That’s why it’s critical to understand your risk factors so you can proactively monitor any changes.
Q: If my mom or sister had breast cancer, does that mean I carry the BRCA gene?
Dr. Cheng: A common misconception is that every woman diagnosed with breast cancer has the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Yet in reality, only 6% of patients diagnosed with breast cancer have one of these genes. It’s important to understand that having a family history of breast cancer does not automatically mean you are a carrier or that you will pass the gene to future generations. The first step in finding out whether the gene might be passed down to you is finding out whether the first-degree relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer is a carrier of the BRCA gene through genetic testing.
Q: Are there any other risk factors I should know about?
Dr. Cheng: In addition to the genetic risk factors, there are definitely lifestyle factors that can increase the risk for developing cancer. This can include diabetes, obesity, poor diet, smoking, low Vitamin D and taking excessive hormones. It is important to have a conversation with your doctor to understand your risk for developing breast cancer.
Q: When should I begin getting mammograms?
Dr. Cheng: Based on guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), women at average risk should begin getting annual mammograms at age 40. Annual imaging is vital because it allows us to track changes over time and detect abnormalities early. For women at high risk, screenings may need to begin sooner.
Q: What else can I do to be proactive about my breast health?
Dr. Cheng: In addition to annual mammograms, women can take control of their breast health by checking for any changes, such as lumps. This can easily be done while showering. It’s also important to know that lumps aren’t the only signs to watch for. Pay attention to skin changes such as redness, rashes, or skin roughness. You should also watch for changes around the nipple, such as discharge or discoloration. Or, if your breasts feel painful or look different than usual, that can also be a warning sign. Any changes or concerns should be brought to your doctor’s attention. No concern is too small when it comes to early detection of breast cancer.
Q: If I have one of the symptoms mentioned above, what should I do next?
Dr. Cheng: If you notice any changes in your breast, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may order a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound to examine the breast tissue for abnormalities. Most importantly, do not ignore your concerns. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the likelihood of successful treatment.
Located at 1600 W. U.S. Route 6, Morris, the Radiation Therapy Center of Morris Hospital provides cancer treatment using the latest radiation therapy technology.
