Do I Have a Genetic Risk for Breast Cancer?

Roughly 10 percent of all cancers stem from inherited mutations, including breast cancer.

Identifying genetic mutations like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes early has been in the spotlight more often in the last 15 years and can help to determine if someone has a hereditary risk for breast cancer.

Determining if you or your family members have a genetic risk of breast cancer gives you more information about how you can detect and come up with strategies to treat and prevent it.

Risk factors for breast cancer

There are factors that influence your risk of developing breast cancer – some of which can be changed (modifiable) and ones that can’t be changed (non-modifiable).

Some of the factors that can be changed include:

• Alcohol use
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Not having children
• Not breastfeeding
• Menopausal hormone therapy

Some non-modifiable risk factors include:

• Being born female
• Race/ethnicity (white women face increased risk)
• Age (55+)
• Having dense breast tissue
• Starting menstrual period early in life
• Going through menopause later in life
• Family history

Genetic testing for breast cancer

There are multiple genetic testing options available to determine your familial risk of developing breast cancer.

Cancer genetic screening services offer one-on-one genetic counseling, risk assessments, preventive care recommendations, and regular check-ups to ensure your health remains a top priority.

DNA screening programs such as GenoWell offer testing for a hereditary form of breast and ovarian cancer linked to BRCA genes, and provide a follow-up appointment to discuss your personal risk level and steps you can take to prevent the disease.

Each patient will undergo a blood draw, followed by a follow-up visit in 4-6 weeks after test results come in. Additional appointments or referrals are made as needed based on the results.

Guidelines from the American College of Radiology encourage all women to have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25. This will help to determine if they need to start regular screenings earlier than age 40. Those who have a family history or hereditary risk of breast cancer will usually begin earlier screenings as recommended by their primary care provider.

Genetic testing for patients with a high risk of developing breast cancer is covered by most insurance plans. If out-of-pocket costs are expected, you will be told about them in advance.

Breast cancer prevention

While genetics are out of our control, there are steps you can take regularly to reduce your risk of a breast cancer diagnosis.

These preventive steps include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting regular physical activity
• Avoiding or limiting alcohol
• Eating less red meat and more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Quitting smoking

In some cases, patients may be advised by their providers to take prescription medication or undergo preventive surgery to reduce their breast cancer risk. These steps are taken only for patients who are determined to have a very high risk of breast cancer.