Is Breast Cancer Hereditary?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 37 year old daughter had/has two grandmothers diagnosed with breast cancer late in life. One died as a result, the other died from complications of Parkinsons. What would be a good course of action for her regarding the best chances of early detection?

Answered by Dr. Deepika Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Continue yearly mammography

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, your daughter is at risk of breast cancer. To detect it , she may continue getting yearly mammography along with self breast examination every 6 months.

During self breast examination she should herself examine and see for any lump. You may also get her tested for BRCA gene mutation which also indicate high risk for cancer if she is positive. This is one time test.

Hope I have answered your query. If any further queries are there I would love to help.

Regards
Dr Deepika Patil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad