Family history is a strong predictor of breast cancer risk
November 16, 2006 by andymerrett
Women who have close relatives with breast cancer but who test negative for key genetic mutations associated with the disease are still at increased risk of developing breast cancer, researchers report.
The study found that even if tests fail to detect the breast cancer-linked BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in these women, they are still about three times more likely to develop breast cancer by age 50 than women in the general population.
These women should be regularly screened for breast cancer starting at ages 35 to 40, advised researchers at St. Mary’s Hospital in Manchester, United Kingdom.
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I am 55 years old and seriously considering breast implants for cosmetic reasons. My Mother and maternal grandmother died of breast cancer. Should this be a major concern in respect to the implants?