Breast Cancer and Family History: Understanding Your Risk

 

One of the most common and important questions I get is:

“Breast cancer runs in my family… what does that mean for me?”

Understandably, having a family history of breast cancer can create a great deal of anxiety.

The first — and most important — thing to understand is:

The majority of breast cancers are not inherited.

In fact, around 85–90% of breast cancers occur in people with no significant family history.

Having no family history does not mean zero risk.

And having a family history of breast cancer does not mean you will definitely develop breast cancer.

 

When Should a Family History of Breast Cancer Be a Concern?

Certain patterns within a family history may suggest a higher risk of breast cancer, including:

• • Breast cancer under the age of 40
  • Bilateral breast cancer
  • Triple negative breast cancer
  • Multiple affected relatives on the same side
  • Breast AND ovarian cancer in the family
  • Male breast cancer

 

Breast Cancer and High-Risk Family History: A Patient Journey

I’ll take you through the journey of one of my fantastic patients, who was diagnosed with right breast cancer, on a background of a high-risk family history, giving her a 30% (1 in 3 chance) of developing breast cancer in her lifetime.

This was a lobular breast cancer, which is a type of breast cancer that if often difficult to feel, so this was picked up on routine mammography. She had a biopsy and an MRI scan which showed a Grade 2 lobular cancer, which was hormone receptor positive – and this means she did not need chemotherapy before surgery.

Following careful consultation and discussion, she chose to have bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, using implants. She shares her story in the video.

Day 0 – Planning Breast Cancer Surgery

On the morning of surgery, I will mark out the boundaries of the breast, to allow me to ensure a thorough mastectomy, and a symmetrical reconstruction. See my video which explains my process of planning reconstructive surgery, using the [Landmarks | Volume | Tumour | Skin | Reconstruction]

 

Day 7 – Healing After Mastectomy and Reconstruction

I use a negative pressure dressing, which improves healing and skin blood supply [Link to leaflet]. This stays on for 7-14 days. This photo is taken when dressings are first taken down, and there is still some swelling, which is expected at this stage.

 

Week 5 – Breast Reconstruction Recovery

The swelling is beginning to settle, and the implants are settling into place. A good surgical bra is important here, and helps to keep the implants in place.

20 Weeks Post-Op – Breast Reconstruction Results

The swelling has settled, and we have a symmetrical reconstruction, appropriate for the patient’s body shape and size.

 

What Should You Do If You Have a High Risk of Breast Cancer?

When you have a high risk of breast cancer, either through your family history, or a genetic mutation, the most important steps are:

• • Awareness of symptoms
  • Attending screening
  • Understanding your own body

Family history carries something more than just statistics.

It carries:

• • Memories
  • Fear
  • And uncertainty

And it’s important for us to acknowledge that, and guide our patients through this journey in a sensitive manner.

 

Concerned About Your Family History of Breast Cancer?

If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or are unsure what your own level of risk may be, a specialist assessment can help provide clarity.

I can review your family history, discuss appropriate screening and risk-reduction options, and help you understand the choices available to you.

Book a consultation to discuss your individual breast cancer risk and the next steps that may be right for you.