Is breast cancer hereditary?

Sometimes.: It is estimated that 10-15% of all breast cancer cases in the us occur due to hereditary factors. This risk may be identified by doing a simple blood test to check for brca mutations. We generally advise testing family members with known breast cancers first before checking unaffected family.

Majority not: Majority of breast cancer is sporadic disease. Only in about 15% could be hereditary in nature. Some other risk factors will include- dietary habits, red meat, alcohol, tobacco, sedentary , obesity, hormones use, previous radiation therapy to the chest wall etc.

Can be: It can be, although the vast majority of women with breast cancer do not have a family history.