Who is likely to carry a breast cancer predisposition gene?
Women who have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer have a higher chance of carrying a breast cancer gene. The risk rises as the number of cases in the family increases, if the breast cancer occurred at a young age (less than 50 years) or if women have had breast cancer in both breasts. How does screening work? Screening cannot prevent breast cancer. It can, however, detect its presence before any lump can be felt within the breast. Many studies have shown that by detecting breast cancer early in this way, the treatment of the cancer is more successful and survival is improved. The NHS Breast Screening Programme offers conventional X-ray mammography to women over 50. This is because women in this age group are likely to be past their menopause, which has the effect of reducing the density of the breasts. This means that the X-rays taken of the breasts are clearer and more likely to detect any cancer which may exist. What do I do if I am concerned about my family history of
