According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Center breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women, with the exception of skin cancer.  7 out of 100 women will get breast cancer by the age of 70; and 1 out of 100 women will get ovarian cancer by the age of 70.  Usually breast and ovarian cancers occur in women after the age of 50.

Family health history plays a big role in a woman’s risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer.  Every woman should have knowledge of their family history.  The more close relatives who have had breast or ovarian cancer, and the earlier their ages of diagnosis, will increase a woman’s risk.  Close relatives would be considered parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews, and grand children.

Most women have family histories that put them in the average risk category of developing cancer.  If a woman has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer the average risk is increased to moderate chances of developing breast or ovarian cancer.  Only about 2% of women will have family history that is thought to be “strong.”

As with any condition, our family health history is an important piece of information to share with your doctor.  A family health portrait given to your doctor will help provide the information needed for proper consideration of your genes and other risk factors that influence your health.

If you are concerned you may have increased risk for breast or ovarian cancer based on your family health history, see these family risk categories from http://www.cdc.gov/genomics/resources/diseases/breast_ovarian_cancer.htm.  For more information please contact a patient care specialist of Dominion Internal Medicine @ (540) 878-5408 or visit http://www.dominioninternalmedicine.com/. Now accepting new patients!  Most insurances accepted.

Compassionate Care for a Healthy Heart, Body and Mind.