Know Your Family History
Ask your family about any history of cancer. Find out if anyone in your family has had
cancer, and if so, what types and at what age they were diagnosed. Family history plays a
critical role in assessing your own risk.
Know Your Medical Provider
Establish a good relationship with a gynecologist, family doctor, or internist who is
familiar with your body, individual risk factors, and screening recommendations. Open
communication is essential for timely and effective care.
Know Your Body
Be familiar with how your breasts feel, especially if you are premenopausal, as they may
change throughout the month. Report any changes such as new lumps, bumps, nipple
discharge, or chest rashes to your healthcare provider.
Know Your Gynecological History
Menarche (the start of menstruation) before age 12 or menopause after age 55 increases
your risk of breast cancer. It's important to share your reproductive history with your
doctor.
Know the Screening Recommendations
For women at average risk of breast cancer, mammograms are recommended every two
years between the ages of 40 and 74. If you have dense breasts, a family history of certain
cancers, or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend additional screening such as
ultrasounds or MRIs.
Know Your Genetics
If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with an inherited gene mutation (e.g.,
BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2) or with pancreatic, prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer
before age 50, or male breast cancer, you may be at increased risk. Discuss genetic
testing and more aggressive screening options with your provider.
Know Your Risk Factors
Several factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including:
Having children later in life (or not at all)
Not breastfeeding, or breastfeeding for less than six months
Smoking
Dense breast tissue
Use of hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives for five years or more
Previous chest radiation
Breast biopsies
Being overweight after menopause
Alcohol consumption
It's important to be aware of these risks and take steps to reduce them where possible.
Elissa Thorner, MHS is a breast cancer survivor and former co-director of the Young Women's Breast Cancer Program at Johns Hopkins Medicine, She is a Patient Advocate and Care+Wear Community Member.