My mom passed away from breast cancer at 52. I’m 30 this year and wondering if I should start going for breast cancer screening. What kind of screening would you recommend for someone with a family history like mine? I dont smoke or drink and I would say I’m in a healthy weight range
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I’m really sorry to hear about your mom. It’s important to be proactive about your health, especially with a family history of breast cancer. Generally, it’s recommended that women with a family history of breast cancer begin screening earlier than the usual starting age of 40 to 50 years. Since you’re 30, it would be a good idea to discuss with your healthcare provider about when to start regular screening, such as mammograms or even breast MRI, which can be more sensitive in certain cases.
Your healthy lifestyle choices, like not smoking or drinking and maintaining a healthy weight, are wonderful factors in reducing overall risk. Keep up with those good habits, and perhaps your healthcare provider can give you more personalized advice regarding the most appropriate screening for you, taking your family history into consideration. They might also suggest genetic counseling to assess any inherited risks further.
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It must have been difficult to go through the grief and loss of your mom. Sorry to hear that.
Similarly, well done on reflecting on her illness and making conscious lifestyle choices! The best person to guide you through this would be a breast surgeon who could see you, and take a full family history, including how old your mom was when she was initially diagnosed.
Furthermore, it would also be important to note if your mom had genetic screening done, and if she had inherited breast cancer mutation genes. This would have implications into your screening approach, and genetic testing. Genetic testing is mainly indicated for family members of a breast cancer patient carrying predisposing germline (inherited) genetic mutations.
It’s also important to note that screening isn’t a one-time approach, it is a continued process, and is usually recommended once every 3 years for ladies without strong family history, above the age of 50. Screening in a young lady could include breast ultrasound or breast MRI.
I wish this information could help you make further informed choice and guide you moving forward!
Regards,
Dr Nina
Consultant Clinical Oncologist,
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Dr Nina Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
IG: @ninaabdulsatarThe information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.
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It must have been difficult to go through the grief and loss of your mom. Sorry to hear that.
Similarly, well done on reflecting on her illness and making conscious lifestyle choices! The best person to guide you through this would be a breast surgeon who could see you, and take a full family history, including how old your mom was when she was initially diagnosed.
Furthermore, it would also be important to note if your mom had genetic screening done, and if she had inherited breast cancer mutation genes. This would have implications into your screening approach, and genetic testing. Genetic testing is mainly indicated for family members of a breast cancer patient carrying predisposing germline (inherited) genetic mutations.
It’s also important to note that screening isn’t a one-time approach, it is a continued process, and is usually recommended once every 3 years for ladies without strong family history, above the age of 50. Screening in a young lady could include breast ultrasound or breast MRI.
I wish this information could help you make further informed choice and guide you moving forward!
Regards,
Dr Nina
Consultant Clinical Oncologist,
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Dr Nina Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
IG: @ninaabdulsatar
The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.