A woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is greatly increased if she inherits an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Recent studies suggest that the risk may be as high as 50 to 80% for those carrying mutations. It is important to note that not all carriers of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer. Among individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, researchers have found that about 1 in 40 carry an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, compared to 1 in 345 in the general population.

Alterations in two genes identified as BRCA1 and BRCA2 make carriers more susceptible to developing breast and ovarian cancers. Inherited alterations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes account for up to 5-10% of all breast cancer cases. Researchers are searching for other genes that may also increase a woman's cancer risk.

All women are at risk for breast cancer. Risk factors that may increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer include: age, family history, genetics, previous breast biopsy showing benign (non-cancerous) conditions, menstruation beginning at an early age, menstruation continuing past age 50, not having children, having a first child after age 30, and high fat diets. However, 80% of women who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors.

Because family history is the strongest single predictor of a woman's chance of developing breast cancer, researchers turned to cancer-prone families - those with a high incidence of cancer in several generations - to find specific inherited gene alterations that are passed on from one generation to the next. After a long search, two genes were found that are altered in many families with hereditary breast cancer.

Both men and women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation may pass that alteration on to their sons and daughters, whether or not they are diagnosed with cancer themselves. Not all children of people who have an altered gene will inherit the alteration, and not all of those who inherit the alteration will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Several different programs are available for calculating a woman’s breast cancer risk. The guideline provides information about three risk models. Software for each model is available via the internet; these are geared to health professionals: Claus model (BreastCa for Palm, version 1.0, copyright 2001) http://www.palmgear.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=software.showsoftware&prodID=29820 Tyrer-Cuzick (IBIS Breast Cancer Risk Evaluation Tool, RiskFileCalc version 1.

Breast implants will not change your risk for breast cancer. The implants may change the feel of breast lumps during an examination - sometimes, breast implants may even make breast lumps easier to detect, by "pushing" the breast lumps closer to the skin surface. We recommend continued surveillence for breast cancer with annual mammograms for those over 35 and routine physical examinations.

A positive test result indicates that a person has inherited a known mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 and has an increased risk of developing certain cancers. A positive result provides information only about a person's risk of developing cancer. It cannot tell whether cancer will actually develop ? or when. Not all women who inherit an altered gene will develop breast cancer. If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, test results may influence your surgery and treatment decisions.

Family history of breast cancer – two or more first degree relatives with breast cancer; especially if they were diagnosed when premenopausal Lifetime risk of breast cancer scored at 20%-25% or greater, based on one of several accepted risk assessment tools that look at family history and other factors. This category often requires consultation with a genetic counselor who can assess breast cancer risk using various computer models.

There are many breast cancer risk factors that cannot be controlled such as genetics, early menstruation and family history. Other aspects such diet, early child-bearing, and weight can be controlled to help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women who maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in polyunsaturated fats (such as corn oils, tub margarine) and saturated fats (such as those found in meats) may help lower their risk of the disease.

The risk of breast cancer increases gradually as a woman gets older. However, the risk of developing breast cancer is not the same for all women. Research has shown that the following factors increase a woman's chance of developing this disease: Personal history of breast cancer—Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to develop a second breast cancer.

Yes, women in intervention group experienced a significantly greater reduction in the risk of progesterone receptor negative breast tumors than in the risk of progesterone receptor positive tumors. It appeared that the low fat dietary pattern may have had the most benefit in preventing tumors that were both estrogen receptor positive and progesterone receptor negative.

Scientific evidence suggests using birth control pills for longer periods of time increases your risk of some cancers, such as cervical cancer and liver cancer, but it also decreases your risk of other types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. The effect of birth control pills on breast cancer risk isn't quite clear. However, some studies do show a link between pill use and breast cancer.

Most women with fibrocystic tendencies are not at increased risk for breast cancer. There are some relatively rare conditions that can increase your risk. And only an evaluation by a physician can tell the difference.

Menstrual history�if you began menstruating before age 12, or completed menopause after age 55 Family history�if you have a mother, sister or daughter who has had the disease, or a close relative, such as a cousin or an aunt with a history of breast cancer Oral contraceptives�slight increased risk if you are currently using the pill, or have used it in the last 10 years High breast tissue density�a mammographic m.

To predict when and in whom breast cancer will occur, scientists must often think like detectives, looking for clues to signal which women may be more likely than others to develop the disease. These clues are called "risk factors." To identify risk factors, scientists continually examine various trends and patterns among women worldwide who are diagnosed with the disease.

There are many breast cancer risk factors that cannot be controlled such as genetics, early menstruation and family history. Other aspects such diet, early child-bearing, and weight can be controlled to help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Click here to learn more about the various risk factors for breast cancer and for information on a new tool to help determine a woman's breast cancer risk.

As far as we know, the best answer is to eat healthy and stay active. Be informed about choices you make. Since the risk factors for breast cancer do not adequately describe the majority of the cases, we do not fully know the best steps for prevention. Based on the current research in breast cancer and health in general we recommend the following:

The risk of recurrence is highest within the first five years of diagnosis, yet no studies have proven that there is a specific time when a breast cancer patient will be completely free of the risk of recurrence. There are many variables that factor into a person's risk of recurrence. Talk to your physician to learn more about your personal risk for recurrence.

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. They can invade nearby tissues and form a mass, called a malignant tumor. The cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Breast cancer is many women’s worst fear. But experts have made great progress in treating cancer. If it is found early, breast cancer can often be cured, and it is not always necessary to remove the breast.

Good general health habits certainly help. A low-fat diet, exercise, avoiding tobacco smoke and alcohol are all part of a healthy lifestyle and decrease risk slightly. Early pregnancy appears to decrease risk slightly. Women who are at high risk due to a family history, or due to a history of breast cancer of one breast (and therefore at risk to develop breast cancer in the other breast) may be candidates for "chemoprevention." This means taking a drug like Tamoxifen to decrease the risk.

The exact cause of breast cancer is not known. Female hormones and increasing age play a part. The chances that you will develop breast cancer increase as you age. In the United States, about 1 in every 8 women who live to be 80 will have been diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life.5 Family history also plays a role in the development of breast cancer. You are more likely to have breast cancer if your mother, father, or sister has breast cancer.

Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is a medicine that blocks the effect of estrogen on breast cancer cells and normal breast cells. Tamoxifen lowers the risk of breast cancer in women who have an increased risk of this disease. But, this medicine may also increase the risk of some other serious diseases, including endometrial cancer, stroke, and blood clots in veins and in the lungs.

There is a high prevalence of several known breast cancer risk factors in Marin. Compared to the average California population, women in Marin have more risk factors including higher socioeconomic status, later childbearing, fewer children, more frequent alcohol consumption, and higher levels of education. Based on this information, we would expect Marin County to have a somewhat higher breast cancer incidence rate than other geographic regions with fewer risk factors.

If you have osteoporosis or are at high risk for breast cancer, EVISTA can be used to lower your chance of getting invasive breast cancer. EVISTA will not totally get rid of your chance of getting invasive breast cancer. Your doctor can estimate your risk of invasive breast cancer by asking you about risk factors. You and your doctor should talk about whether the possible benefit of EVISTA in lowering your chance of getting invasive breast cancer is greater than its possible risks.

Each potential participant will complete a one-page questionnaire (risk assessment form) which will be forwarded to NSABP by the local STAR clinical staff. The NSABP will use computer software to generate an individualized risk profile based on the information provided and will return the profile to the local STAR site so that it can be given to the potential participant.

A person who is considering genetic testing should speak with a professional trained in genetics before deciding whether to be tested. Genetic counseling is a health service that helps people identify and understand what particular traits they may have inherited. Educated health professionals who are certified as Genetic Counselors perform genetic counseling. They can come from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, psychology, public health, and social work.