Everything You Need to Know About Breast Cancer Awareness: Your Essential Q&A Guide to Breast Health

Nurse practitioner Angela Ball works at Memorial Health System’s Department of Surgical Oncology. She aids patients with high-risk breast conditions by offering education, personalized care, and crucial guidance in navigating breast cancer risks and overall health.

What does “high risk” for breast cancer mean?

Being “high risk” means you have a much greater chance of developing breast cancer than most people. This can be based on factors like family history, genetic mutations, or personal medical history. For instance, if you’ve had chest radiation as a child, or if you’ve been diagnosed with certain high-risk breast lesions, you may be categorized as high risk. Other factors, such as dense breast tissue or reproductive history, can also elevate your risk.

Understanding the GAIL score

The GAIL score helps estimate a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer within the next five years and up to age 90. This score is automatically calculated during a mammogram at Memorial Health System.

What to do about a high GAIL score

If your GAIL score indicates a higher-than-average risk, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about possible preventative measures and surveillance options. Memorial offers a High-Risk Breast Clinic to create a tailored prevention plan for each patient.

What are high-risk breast lesions?

High-risk breast lesions are non-cancerous changes in breast tissue that can increase future breast cancer risk. They are often discovered during biopsies performed for other issues, like abnormal mammograms.

Do high-risk lesions guarantee cancer development?

Not necessarily. Many individuals with high-risk lesions will not develop breast cancer, but they do have a higher risk compared to the average person.

Managing high-risk lesions

Management varies per individual and is based on thorough reviews by a multi-disciplinary team. While some lesions might require surgical removal, others can simply be monitored through imaging. Annual mammograms and tailored counseling regarding breast cancer risk are vital for all patients with high-risk lesions.

Proactive steps for high-risk individuals

If you’re considered high risk, engage actively with your healthcare provider about prevention strategies. Regular clinical and self-exams are crucial. Any noticeable changes, like new pain or skin alterations, should be reported immediately. Consistency in imaging surveillance, such as annual mammograms and possibly MRIs, is equally important.

Advocating for yourself

Don’t hesitate to express your concerns about breast health. Clear communication with your healthcare team is essential for addressing any issues you may have. The High-Risk Breast Clinic is there to assist you!

According to a recent report from the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer over their lifetime, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing risk factors effectively. As breast cancer awareness increases, social media platforms are buzzing with discussions on personal stories and updates on support initiatives, encouraging women to prioritize their health.

For more detailed statistics and insights, you can visit the [American Cancer Society](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html).

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