BREAST CANCER BY THE NUMBERS

One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Close to 300,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S and nearly 45,000 women will die from breast cancer this year. But there’s good news too. There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today. That’s true for one reason — early detection saves lives.

To combat breast cancer, Inland Imaging, along with organizations like the American College of Radiology, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend women receive a screening mammogram annually, starting at age 40, and that all women should have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25 to determine if they should begin regular screenings earlier.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

Breast cancer risk assessment takes into account several aspects of your gynecologic health, personal history of breast biopsies, breast density, and family history to calculate whether you may be more likely than average to develop breast cancer.

General Risk Assessment Using the Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Calculator

This risk calculator asks questions about your personal and family history to determine the possibility of developing breast cancer. The results will display your 10-year risk and your lifetime risk score. The purpose of this tool is simply to inform you. Please consult with your physician should you have any questions about your risk for breast cancer or for guidance on options for breast cancer screening or genetic counseling.

To take this short test, simply go to: Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Calculator

Genetic Testing

Inherited genetic mutations play a major role in about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers, possibly more. Based on your general breast cancer risk assessment, you may also wish to undergo genetic testing to help determine if you have an increased risk. Knowing your risk allows you to discuss optimal screening with your provider and may potentially assist with detecting disease earlier.

Who Receives Genetic Testing in Addition to a General Breast Cancer Risk Assessment?

If you have a personal history of breast, ovarian, colon, pancreatic, or other cancers, and/or a strong family history of cancer, you should consider genetic testing. Individuals with a genetic predisposition have a far greater chance of developing certain cancers within their lifetime, typically at an earlier age of onset.

Benefits and Risks of Genetic Testing

There are multiple benefits to receiving genetic testing, including:

• Relief from uncertainty

• Greater understanding of your potential breast cancer risk

• Ability to make better informed medical and lifestyle decisions

• May aid in the potential early detection of cancer

• Knowing you carry a hereditary gene variation may guide the treatment of your cancer

• May provide helpful information to family members

You are encouraged to discuss your risk factors with your provider to determine if supplemental screening exams or genetic testing may be right for you. This information is provided to raise your awareness and to facilitate discussion of breast density and other breast cancer risk factors with your provider.