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| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
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Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
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| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
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| 10/6/2011 | Both my maternal and paternal grandmothers were diagnosed with breast cancer in their 50's and both died from the disease within 6 years of being diagnosed. My mother died of heart disease, but had a prophylactic mastectomy in her 30's w/o any genetic testing. I have one aunt who also had a prophylactic mastectomy and no genetic testing. She is alive, 70 years of age, and free of breast cancer. I'm wondering if I am considered high risk for breast cancer b/c of my family history. I have had an abnormal mammogram in the past (i.e., benign calcium deposits) and fiborcystic breasts. Should I undergo genetic testing? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 10/6/2011 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center. Yes, you could consider genetic counseling, which may result in genetic testing, depending on the genetic counselor's risk assessment of your personal and family history, and certainly your family history supports exploring counseling. That being said, only approx 10-12 % of all breast cancers are related to a genetic component. Hope this helps, and best wishes. If we can be of any help, please call Sheila @ 443-287 BRST (2778) for genetic counseling appointment. Thank you. | ||
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