If you are concerned that you have an elevated risk for breast cancer and would like an in-depth evaluation by one of our Breast Specialists, please call to make an appointment at (920) 272-3350 or schedule online. A referral is not necessary for scheduling an appointment with a breast specialist.
Breast cancer is not caused by one thing, but rather a combination of factors that create an environment for breast cancer to develop and grow. Every person’s risk is unique. There is no “one-size-fits-all" for breast cancer. Did you know that screening guidelines may differ based on a woman’s breast cancer risk score? For women who have elevated risk factors, it may be recommended to begin breast cancer screening imaging earlier with the addition of other types of screening tools aside from mammogram alone. At Prevea Breast Surgery, we’re here to manage your risk and work with you to develop a plan based on your personal risk score.
Only an estimated five to ten percent of breast cancers are related to a genetic mutation and an additional ten to fifteen percent are related to family history. The remaining 75% - 85% of breast cancer diagnoses were related to a person’s own personal combination of risk factors. This means that you don’t need to have a genetic mutation or family history of breast cancer to be at elevated risk.
At Prevea, you can expect to receive a formal risk assessment based on the most up to date, validated breast cancer risk calculators. Your personalized risk score will further guide screening recommendations, prevention strategies, and follow up planning. Be proactive! If one or more of the listed risks apply to you, the first step is formal risk assessment with a Prevea Breast Specialist.
References:
Breast cancer is not caused by one thing, but rather a combination of factors that create an environment for breast cancer to develop and grow. Every person’s risk is unique. There is no “one-size-fits-all" for breast cancer. Did you know that screening guidelines may differ based on a woman’s breast cancer risk score? For women who have elevated risk factors, it may be recommended to begin breast cancer screening imaging earlier with the addition of other types of screening tools aside from mammogram alone. At Prevea Breast Surgery, we’re here to manage your risk and work with you to develop a plan based on your personal risk score.
Breast cancer facts
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women with over 5,000 women in Wisconsin and over 300,000 women throughout the United States diagnosed per year. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women with over 42,000 deaths annually nationwide. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. If you look around you at the store, coffee shop, church, or wherever you like to spend your time, it is likely that there is at least one woman who is either battling breast cancer or a breast cancer survivor.Only an estimated five to ten percent of breast cancers are related to a genetic mutation and an additional ten to fifteen percent are related to family history. The remaining 75% - 85% of breast cancer diagnoses were related to a person’s own personal combination of risk factors. This means that you don’t need to have a genetic mutation or family history of breast cancer to be at elevated risk.
Breast cancer risk factors
There are, surprisingly, many factors that can contribute to the cause of breast cancer in women and men. If you have any of these, that doesn’t guarantee that you will get breast cancer. Consider these as good reasons to talk to your doctor about your options for screening and risk assessment. Risk factors for breast cancer include:- Personal history of breast cancer.
- Dense breast tissue on mammogram (heterogeneously and/or extremely dense breasts).
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer, specifically in first- or second-degree relatives such as sister, mother, child, aunt (paternal or maternal), grandmother (paternal or maternal).
- Family history of any male breast cancer.
- Known family history or personal diagnosis of genetic mutation associated with elevated risk for breast cancer such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, and many others.
- Personal history of thoracic radiation therapy before the age of 30.
- Prior breast biopsy showing an abnormal overgrowth of cells also called hyperplasia such as LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ), atypical hyperplasia (ductal and/or lobular), or other forms of proliferative disease.
- Reproductive history:
- Younger age at the start of menstrual cycles.
- Older age at first live birth.
- Nulliparity or not having children.
- Older age at menopause.
- Current or prior use of estrogen and progesterone hormone agent.
- Increased body mass index (BMI) or high body weight.
- Alcohol consumption.
At Prevea, you can expect to receive a formal risk assessment based on the most up to date, validated breast cancer risk calculators. Your personalized risk score will further guide screening recommendations, prevention strategies, and follow up planning. Be proactive! If one or more of the listed risks apply to you, the first step is formal risk assessment with a Prevea Breast Specialist.
References:
- Bland, K.I., Copeland, E.M., Klimberg, S.V., Gradishar, W.J. (2018). The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. Elsevier.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2024). Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis (Version 2.2024). Retrieved from https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast-screening.pdf on September 19, 2024
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2024). Breast Cancer Risk Reduction (Version 1.2025). Retrieved from https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast_risk.pdf on September 19, 2024
- National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Female Breast Cancer. Retrieved from http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast.html on September 19, 2024.
- U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations Tool. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dataviz on September 19, 2024.
- Wisconsin Cancer Incidence, Female Breast, 2021. Retrieved from https://wish.wisconsin.gov/results/ on September 19, 2024.