Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| 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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| 10/31/2011 | My mother had a mastectomy at the age of 13 in about 1945. I am 59 and have not had cancer. Does breast cancer skip a generations? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 11/1/2011 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center. A mastectomy at age 13 is rather amazing...related to a diagnosis of breast cancer? So congratulations at age 59 and no breast cancer! Recommendation is for yearly mammogram, clinical breast exam, and maintaining your own breast self awarness practice. Breast cancer does not skip generations; sorry to say it really does 'not follow any rules, and occurs when ever it wants', which is why early detection is so important. Hope this helps and best wishes. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.

