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Family History of Breast Cancer Substantially Increases Your Risk

According to a new study, a woman with a strong family history of breast cancer is at a four times higher risk of breast cancer than that of the general population -- even if she does not carry one of the BRCA genes.  And in women younger than age 40 without the BRCA gene, but with a very strong family history, the risk is about 15 times higher than the general population.

A  woman who tests positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 has an 80 percent lifetime risk of getting breast cancer, while women such as those in her study with a strong family history but no BRCA1 or 2 mutation have about a 40 percent lifetime risk. The average woman has about a 10 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

The findings suggest there are other genetic mutations that play a role in breast cancer.  Women with a strong family history might consider more frequent screening, including breast MRI.  Also, these women should use anti-cancer drugs such as tamoxifen to prevent getting breast cancer.

For information about breast cancer, see the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA.