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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
555 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8/2012 | I am 42 years old and undergoing diagnostic mammography tomorrow, 2/9/12. This evening I just found out from my biological father that his mother died at the age of 40 from ovarian cancer and his aunt (his mother's sister) had died from ovarian cancer as well. Also, his father (grandfather) died from prostate cancer at the age of 75 and his brother (my uncle) also has been diagnosed with prostate cancer in the past, mid-40's. I have had pre-cancerous endometrial cells in the past and, due to many problems, 3 years ago underwent a complete hysterectomy. I have had mammography in the past,age 38, because of a small nodule in right breast, which I was told was benign, but I was also told to have a follow-up exam 6 months later because of density in the left breast. Due to financial crisis, I was not able to accomplish this. About 2 months ago, I began having swelling in right armpit, very low, upper and outer quadrant of right breast. My physician said lymph nodes were not swollen but clearly there is inflammation with just a hint of tenderness. I have not been feeling well, very fatigued. How does my biological father's family history of cancer affect me as far as risk factors? Any help on this would certainly be appreciated. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 2/9/2012 | you get half your genes from your dad and half from your mom so it doesn't matter which side of the family this significant cancer history is on, it is equal for you- mom's side or dad's side. so time to get evaluated (which hopefully happened today) and time to get genetics evaluation since there is a considerable possibility that you may have a breast cancer gene in your family. | ||
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.