Is breast cancer hereditary?

The article was written by Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Thi Minh Thuyen - Pathologist, Pathology Department - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

It is estimated that 5 - 10% of breast cancer patients are associated with genetic mutations that are passed down through generations in a family. Several inherited mutated genes that can increase the likelihood of breast cancer have been identified. The best known are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or other cancers, your doctor may recommend blood tests to identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that are being passed in the family. your family.
Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a genetics specialist who can review your family health history. The geneticist can also discuss the benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic testing to assist you in making a joint decision.

Breast cancer risk factor is anything that makes you more likely to get breast cancer. But having one or even several breast cancer risk factors doesn't mean you'll get breast cancer, while many women with breast cancer don't have risk factors.
Factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer include:
Gender: Women get breast cancer more often than men Age: Breast cancer risk increases with age Personal history about breast damage: If you've had a breast biopsy that found lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia (ADH), you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Personal history of breast cancer: If you have had breast cancer in one breast, there is an increased risk of cancer in the other breast. Family history of breast cancer: If a mother, sister, or daughter is diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age, the risk of breast cancer increases. However, the majority of people diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. Inherited genes that increase cancer risk: Some genetic mutations that increase breast cancer risk can be passed on from parents to children. The best known are BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer and other cancers

Radiation exposure: If you received radiation treatment to the chest area at a young age, will increase the risk of breast cancer Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer Puberty: Puberty before the age of 12 increases the risk of cancer Breast cancer Menopause: If menopause begins at an older age, more likely to develop breast cancer Age at first child: Women who give birth to their first child after age 30 may have an increased risk of breast cancer Not pregnant: Women who have never been pregnant have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who have had one or more pregnancies. Postmenopausal hormone therapy: Women who take hormone medications that combine estrogen and progesterone to treat menopausal signs and symptoms have an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer decreases when women stop taking these drugs. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.

Reduce breast cancer risk for average-risk women by making changes to your daily lifestyle that can help reduce breast cancer risk. Try to:
Ask your doctor about breast cancer screening: Talk with your doctor when starting breast cancer screenings and screenings, such as clinical breast exams and mammograms. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening. Together with your doctor, you can decide which breast cancer screening strategy is right for you. Breast self-exam awareness: It's a good idea to do a breast self-exam from time to time. If there is a change, mass or other abnormality in the breast, talk to your doctor right away. Breast awareness can't prevent breast cancer, but it can help you better understand normal breast changes to identify any unusual signs and symptoms. Moderate alcohol consumption: If you must drink, limit your intake to no more than one drink per day. Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. If you haven't been active lately, ask your doctor and start gradually. Limit hormone therapy after menopause: Combination hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy. Some women experience uncomfortable signs and symptoms during menopause, and for these women, the increased risk of breast cancer may be acceptable to relieve the signs and symptoms of menopause. terrible. To reduce your risk of breast cancer, use the lowest dose of hormone therapy for the shortest amount of time possible. Maintain your weight: If your weight is fine, maintain it. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about a strategy to follow. Reduce the number of calories you eat each day and slowly increase the amount of exercise.

Choose a healthy diet: Women whose diets are supplemented with olive oil and mixed nuts may have a reduced risk of breast cancer. A diet that focuses primarily on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts, choosing healthy fats (such as olive oil) , fish instead of butter and red meat. At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a Breast Cancer Screening Package to help detect breast cancer early even when there are no symptoms.
Breast cancer screening package at Vinmec for the following subjects:
Female customers, over 40 years old. Customers wishing to be able to screen for breast cancer Customers are at high risk of cancer – especially customers with a family history of breast cancer. Women of reproductive age, perimenopause and menopause. Women who are having symptoms of breast cancer, such as: pain in the breast, lump in the breast, etc. To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact the Health System. Vinmec nationwide, or register online HERE.

Article referenced source: American Cancer Society