Is the risk of breast cancer increased with maternal or paternal relatives?

Question

Hi
I have just found out that my father's (he wasn't around when I grew up) sister died from breast cancer and that his mother has also battled with it twice. Does this increase my risk of getting breast cancer or does it not matter as they are paternal relatives?

Answer 1

Having a family history of breast cancer, either maternal or paternal, definitely increases your risk of developing breast cancer.

Yes, there are some women, like myself, who develop breast cancer without any of the risk factors. They don't really know what causes breast cancer, but we do know that there are certain things that raise the risk, like family history, and certain things that lower your risk, like breastfeeding.

How old are you?

It's important that you let your OB know of your family history. Do self exams monthly (mid cycle, 2 weeks after you start your period) and be aware of ANY changes you feel in your breasts. Because there's a family history your OB will probably have you get a baseline mammogram earlier than most women do.

There's lots of good information at breastcancer.org and youngsurvival.org

I just wanted to add, be wary of being tested for the breast cancer gene. I know a lot of women who had major problems getting health insurance if they tested postive for it.

Answer 2

Hello there Mammography screening is still a topic of debate whether it can detect cancers in its early stage or not. Some says it can and some says that by the time mammorgraphy can detect the cancer it has already spread to other parts of the body. To add on, there are various things that can affect the resul i.e. the machine, the interpreter ...., there might be false results. If false positive - too bad you will have to go through all the painful steps to detect if it is cancer. This is not simple you may have to go through a lot. If false negative - again too bad, you will have false ideas. well what to do then. I am not saying to avoid mammography altogether. It can affect women of any age but it seemed to be a disease of older people try may be > 35 yrs. The best thing to do is to do regular examination of your breast, i.e. everytime you shower, some sites will teach you this. When you find any lump go to the doctor for further investigation. * I have heard of a case - a lady had her two breast removed beforehand. She had a strong family history of breast cancer.

Answer 3

If your aunt carried the breast cancer gene, it is possible for your father to carry it and pass it down to his children. The only way to be sure is with genetic testing if you are that concerned. I talked to a genetic counselor, and was told that the gene can be carried by both male and female members of a family, but just because one doesn't have it doesn't mean the others can't carry it. If your Grandmother is alive, she would be the ideal one to test. If she doesn't carry the gene, her cancer wasn't caused by it and then your risk is the same as any other woman in the world.

Answer 4

I guess my sister and I got double whammied. Both our maternal and paternal grandfathers died of cancer (lymphoma and colon cancer respectively) as did our paternal grandmother (colon cancer). My dad's sister has battled breast cancer twice. My sister had breast cancer 15 years ago and I had it 3 years ago. A 2nd cousin on my mom's side had kidney cancer when she was 3 and another uncle died of colon/lung cancer and my dad had colon cancer.

Answer 5

Genetically or otherwise there is always a risk especially if your father was born from a mother with history. Throw caution to the wind and always check yourself once a month and if you are at all worried visit the gp, he wont think you are silly

Answer 6

it can be genetic my fathers mother died of lung cancer in the 1950s when she was 50 something it was breast cancer that spread to her lung. i had breast cancer, successfully treated 15 years ago, my dad died of mesothilioma, his younger brother of lung cancer, his older sister has bladder cancer and the eldest sister leukemia only one brother left he doesnt have any cancer so far. so not good family history. u should get yourself checked and advse yr doctor of family history.

Answer 7

Because of the circumstances go and see your GP, they will then offer you a genetic test or regular mammograms. I am in a similar situation and turned down the genetic test, as i was told if you turn out to be positive they Will give you a mammogram every other year, but if you don't have the test you can have a mammogram every year!?!

Answer 8

not nessesarly. my mother died of breast cancer and no one on her side of the family has it.
to be honest i believe it depends on how well you take care of yourself, smoking its a big cause of all types of cancer, eating habits are another not eating proper foods are a biggie also.
but thats just my opinion

good luck

Answer 9

I think it is an increased chance of getting it if you have any family history of it. I would definitely check myself more thoroughly.