Should i be concerned if i have a family history of breast cancer?

Yes: A family history of breast cancer significantly increases the risk to other family members. A geneticist or an oncologist can give an idea of how much risk there is to family members, and suggest surveillance strategies and possibly treatment alternatives.

Hereditary cancer: You should see your gynecologist or primary care physician to determine the strength of your family history.

Maybe: First degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter) of patients with breast cancer are at increased risk for developing cancer. More distant relatives have a risk similar to that of us population.

Yes: If you have a close relative with breast cancer, you will be at higher risk. An oncologist can help you determine that risk.

Depends On Risk: Most women overestimate their family risk of breast cancer--85-90% of breast ca cases are not hereditary. If your mother, sister, or daughter had breast (or ovarian) ca, esp before age 40, this warrants further evaluation. This is best determined by genetic counseling followed by brca testing (the gene responsible for many hereditary breast cancers), ideally starting w/affected family members.