Breast Health

Consider both your mother’s and father’s family histories when completing this assessment:

Personal History

• Do you have a personal history of breast cancer before age 40?
• Do you have a personal history of ovarian cancer?

Family History

• Do you have a family history of breast cancer before age 50?
• Do you have a family history of ovarian cancer?
• Do you have a family history of male breast cancer?
• Do you have a family member who carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation?
• Are you of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, please call Presbyterian Cancer Center Genetics Program at (704) 384-5221 to schedule a free consultation. Our genetic counselor will review your family history and discuss your genetic testing options and the precautions you may need to consider.

Other Factors

In addition to your personal and family history, there are several other factors that may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. These include:

• Being female: Women are more likely than men to develop breast cancer. One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime.
• Aging: Women are more likely to develop breast cancer after age 60 than during their younger years.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk for developing breast cancer.
• Early menstruation: If you began menstruating before age 12, you are at increased risk for breast cancer.
• Late menopause: If you began menopause after age 55, you may be at a higher risk for developing breast cancer.
• First child after age 35: Women who have their first child later in life are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer.
• Radiation exposure: If you received chest radiation treatments as a child or adult, you may be more likely to develop breast cancer later in life.
• Postmenopausal hormone therapy: Women who use hormone therapy medications to treat menopausal symptoms are at a higher risk for breast cancer.
• Drinking alcohol: Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage a day could increase your risk.