Is my family history relevant to my breast cancer diagnosis?

Yes: Women and men with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing breast cancer. Knowing other types of cancer in your family is also important. Try this tool to learn more: http://www.Cancer.Gov/bcrisktool/.

Yes: A family history of breast cancer is relevant as there is a genetic pre-disposition when family members have also had breast cancer. This also should heighten the awareness of breast cancer in one's children as well.

Yes: Some tendencies toward breast cancer run in families, although most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors.

Yes: Family history of a certain type of breast cancer is important in risk stratification. If their is a strong family history it is a good idea to get genetic counselling to determine risk for your children.

Yes: Women are more likely to have breast cancer if such already exists in the family. Furthermore, there are some genetic cancer syndromes, brca1 and brca2, which make breast cancer an almost certainty.

Yes: If your mother, daughter, or sister had breast or ovarian cancer, especially before age 50, or if any man in your family had breast cancer, you may have a brca mutation. If your family has a history of colon or endometrial cancer, you may have lynch syndrome. Tell your oncologist your history to see if genetic counseling and testing is needed. This is important information for your family.

Absolutely: Breast, colon, endometrial, or ovarian cancers are very relevant. There are many cancer syndromes caused by different gene mutations. It's important to know the age your relatives were diagnosed, and the type of cancer. If necessary, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling for you or other family members based on the family pattern of cancers.

YES YES YES: Especially first degree relatives with breast cancer such as one mother or sisters (or father or brothers for that matter). If one of these family members were diagnosed under age 50, that's also and important fact. Consider genetic counseling.