Tailoring Breast Cancer Screening to Each Woman's Risk
Each woman's risk of breast cancer varies based on her unique mix of lifestyle and inherent risk factors.
Factors a woman can change
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Physical activity level
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Dietary fat intake
Motherhood can also affect risk
- Having children at a younger age correlates with reduced breast cancer risk
- Breast feeding further lowers risk
Other known risk factors
- Increasing age
- Family history of breast cancer
- Dense breast tissue
- Certain genetic mutations (BRCA 1 and 2 are best known)
- High risk breast lesion such as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia
- Use of menopausal hormone therapy
One plan does not fit all.
Consult with your doctor to tailor a screening plan that is appropriate for your level of risk, based on both lifestyle and inherent factors.
Average risk
A measured screening plan
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Consult with your doctor about mammogram screening recommendations starting at age 40.
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Supplemental screening methods such as 3D mammogram and molecular breast imaging can improve breast cancer detection in women with increased breast density.
High risk
Plan may include advanced screening
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Breast consultation to assess individualized breast cancer risk and preventative care to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
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Breast MRI provides supplemental imaging for women who have a lifetime risk of breast cancer over 20-25% and those with high risk gene mutations such as BRCA.
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Genetic counseling for women who have a family history of breast cancer.
Highest risk
Proactive approaches may be needed
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Breast consultation to assess individualized breast cancer risk and preventative care to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
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Chemoprevention drug treatment can reduce breast cancer risk.
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Clinical trials aimed at reducing individual risk.
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Proactive surgery and reconstruction to remove breast tissue before cancer can develop.
Women can reduce risk by taking action.
- Control weight within a healthy range
- Get 30 minutes of exercise per day, 5 days a week
- Stop smoking or better, don't start
- Avoid alcohol consumption
Sources: MayoClinic.org; Cancer.org.