Frequently Asked Questions

                         About Breast Cancer

Who is at Risk for Breast Cancer?

All women are at risk for breast cancer. Risk factors that may increase a woman’s chance for breast cancer are: age, family history, previous breast biopsy showing specific tissue changes, menstruation beginning at an early age, delayed menopause, not having children and having a first child after 30.

Is breast cancer a genetic disease?

A family history of many relatives who have had breast cancer may indicate inherited genes (BRCA genes). However, only 5-10% of women who develop breast cancer have inherited the genes that cause it. Women who carry alterations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at a much higher risk of developing breast cancer. Strang scientists are hard at work looking closely at how BRCA1 genes function. 75% of women who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors.

What are the warning signs of breast cancer?

Any change in the normal appearance or texture of a woman’s breast may be an indication of breast cancer and should be examined by a physician. It is important to note that breast cancer is not always noticeable by appearance or touch. Women after 40 should have an annual mammogram which can detect breast cancer at an early stage before it is found on breast examination.

Does breast size affect risk?

There has been no conclusive evidence that breast size is related to breast cancer risk. Dense breast tissue may decrease the accuracy of mammography.

Can men get breast cancer?

Men count for approximately 1,500 cases of breast cancer each year. It is estimated that 400 men die from the disease each year.

Do young women get breast cancer?

Yes, young women may get breast cancer although their risk is much lower than women
over the age of 40.

• By age 20, one in 2,044 will develop breast cancer
• By age 30, one in 249 will develop breast cancer
• By age 40, one in 67 will develop breast cancer
  

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Often breast cancer is first detected by a mammogram. If the radiologist notices a suspicious area on the mammogram, they may refer the patient for additional testing such as an ultrasound exam. After further breast imaging, women with suspicious lesions may need to be referred for a breast biopsy to determine whether breast cancer is present.

How common are breast lumps?

Many women develop breast lumps. In general 80% of lumps are caused by benign (non-cancerous) changes in the breast. It is important for women to report any breast abnormality to their physician, especially if it persists after two menstrual cycles.

Who should get a mammogram?

All women over 40 years of age should have a mammogram each year. Women at very high risk of breast cancer (such as those that have tested positive for an alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer genes) should speak to their physician about beginning annual mammograms at a younger age.

Can women at high risk reduce it?

Tamoxifen has been shown to reduce the risk of breast
cancer in high risk women by 50%. Side effects are of concern but the benefit often outweighs the risk.