I am 34, with a family history of TNBC. Am I at risk?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 34-year-old woman, and am concerned because I have a family history of triple-negative breast cancer; my grandmother suffered from it, and did not survive.

What are the chances that I might develop it? What are the risk factors for breast cancer? Are there ways to prevent it? How can I check myself for breast cancer? What are its initial symptoms? What are the available screening tests?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for your query.

Factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer include:

A family history of breast cancer.
A personal history of breast cancer or breast conditions.
Beginning your period at a younger age.
Beginning menopause at an older age.
Being female.
Having dense breast tissue.
Drinking alcohol.

What can I do to lower my risk of breast cancer?

Limit or avoid alcohol; it is safest not to drink.
Maintain a healthy weight, and consult with your healthcare team to determine if your weight is appropriate.
Engage in regular physical activity.
Breastfeed if possible.
Limit hormone therapy after menopause.
Quit smoking if you currently do.

To perform a breast self-exam, use the pads of your three middle fingers to move around your right breast, covering the entire breast area and armpit. Apply light, medium, and firm pressure to feel for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, or other changes. Also, squeeze the nipple to check for discharge.

Signs of breast cancer beyond feeling a lump include:

Nipple discharge.
Feeling a mass near the breast.
Swelling and redness.
Dimpling or divot in the breast or nipple.
Sudden changes in the size of one breast.

The importance of the breast self-exam is crucial for early detection.

How can you detect breast cancer early?

The most important screening test to detect breast cancer early is the mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast.

I hope this guidance helps you. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance.

Thank you.