my grandmother on my mom's side died of breast cancer. what are my chances of getting it (if it is hereditary, that is)?
i am a young woman with average weight and height (5'6/135lbs)
2006-10-03 08:38:34 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
there are hereditary components to many cancers, and more than one kind of cancer can attack breast tissue. If you have a family history of cancer then yes, your risk is increased. Do a self breast exam once a month in the shower, make sure your doctor does an exam annually during your check up. Have a mammogram annually from age forty on.
2006-10-03 08:42:18 · answer #1 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One is 8 women will get breast cancer based on living to be 80. However, breast cancer can happen in a family with no known risk factors in fact the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no risk factors. All diseases have to start somewhere.. So to answer your question ... is it hereditary, no, the tendency towards having beast cancer is higher with a first degree relative such as mother, grandmother, etc....there is a greater risk but... it is like running through a mine field, some will get it some won't.
2006-10-03 08:45:24 · answer #2 · answered by Nt 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most cases of breast cancer occur 'by chance' - even where there is a family history of the disease. However, breast cancer does occur more often than usual in some families because of their genetic make-up. If you are concerned that your risk of developing breast cancer is higher than usual because of your family history, then see your doctor for assessment. An option if you have an increased risk is to have mammography at an earlier age than normal, and more often than usual.
2006-10-03 08:48:09 · answer #3 · answered by sarkyastic31 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be heriditary and there are special blood tests to determine if you have the gene that would indicate you may be predisposed to it. I haven't been tested but with an aunt that has had it twice, a sister who has had it and I have had it, I can honestly say it runs in my family. But what also sucks big time is so does colon cancer. My dads parents both died from it as did his brother. My dad had it and I have had precancerous colon polyps removed.
2006-10-03 15:21:37 · answer #4 · answered by knittinmama 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please play it safe and get a mammogram when you are 35. Don't wait until you are 40. I was diagnosed this year with breast cancer at 41 and I am the ONLY one in my family. I told my daughter to not worry about her getting it, but just be on the safe side and get checked earlier. I hope your future finds you with excellent health.
2006-10-03 15:05:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cancer is not considered hereditary.
Take a look at the site below which explains many misunderstood things about the cancer industry, and has some natural cures too.
Cancer
http://dgwa1.fortunecity.com/body/cancer.html
2006-10-05 02:04:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Som times it is hereditary but small percentage see the link and the graph swon there
http://www.macgn.org/factsheets/Hereditary%20Breast%20Cancer.pdf#search='hereditary%20breast%20cancer'
2006-10-03 16:49:32 · answer #7 · answered by pelancha 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it never skipped a generation all women would have it. I wouldn't spend my time worrying about it.
2006-10-03 08:47:04 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋