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Breast Cancer

Get the Facts

By Lisa Hurt Kozarovich

Having a first-degree relative, such as a mother or sister, with breast cancer is most important in determining the family history risk factor. Third-degree relatives, like cousins and great-aunts, can play a role as well, but are much less of a factor, Dr. Winer says. Other risk factors include starting periods at an early age, having menopause after age 55 and having a late first pregnancy or no pregnancy. "All of those factors play a modest role," he says. "If you had periods at 11, it doesn't mean you have a significantly increased risk for breast cancer."

According to Dr. Winer, something else that can cause a slight risk increase is certain biopsy findings. Benign findings, like a woman with a common, non-cancerous fibroadenoma may have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer later.

"Perhaps the most important concept to convey is that we can treat cancer more effectively without having such a significant impact on the woman's life," Dr. Winer says. "Ten or 15 years ago, we had to make people sick to get them well, but with all of the new hormonal, chemo and antibody therapies, we're moving away from that."

Today, women with breast cancer have fewer surgeries, less radiation and fewer side effects caused by chemotherapy, doctors say.

"We realize that one-size-fits-all treatment doesn't work; it never did," Dr. Winer says. "I think we're moving more toward individuality of treatment for patients."