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By Parveen Vahora, M.D.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women today, with approximately 1 in 8 women developing the disease the disease during their lifetime. As a physician, I cannot emphasize enough the critical importance of understanding your personal risk factors and taking proactive steps toward early detection and prevention.
The Essential Role of Mammograms
defense against breast cancer. Current guidelines recommend that women begin annual mammograms at age 40, though some organizations suggest starting at 50. However, these are general recommendations that may not apply to everyone. Women with elevated risk factors may need to begin screening earlier and more frequently.
Mammograms can detect abnormalities up to two years before they can be felt during a physical examination. This early detection capability is crucial because breast cancer treatment is most effective when the disease is caught in its earliest stages. Studies consistently show that regular mammographic screening reduces breast cancer mortality by 20-40% in women aged 50-69, with significant benefits extending to younger women as well.
Family History: A Critical Risk Factor
Does cancer run in your family? This question is more important than many people realize. Family history plays a significant role in determining your breast cancer risk. If you have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has had breast cancer, your risk approximately doubles. The risk increases further if multiple family members have been affected or if the cancer occurred at a young age.
It’s important to consider both maternal and paternal family histories. Many people mistakenly believe that only their mother’s side matters, but hereditary cancer syndromes can be inherited from either parent. Additionally, family history of ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and certain other cancers may also increase your breast cancer risk.
The Power of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing has revolutionized our understanding of hereditary breast cancer risk. The most well-known genetic mutations are BRCA1 and BRCA2, which significantly increase the lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Women with BRCA1 mutations have approximately a 55-72% lifetime risk of breast cancer, while those with BRCA2 mutations face a 45-69% risk.
However, BRCA mutations are just part of the story. Advanced genetic testing panels can now evaluate dozens of genes associated with hereditary cancer syndromes. These include PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, and many others, each contributing differently to cancer risk.
Determining Your Personal Risk
If you have a family history of breast, ovarian, or related cancers, genetic counseling should be considered. A genetic counselor can help assess whether testing is appropriate for you and explain what the results might mean for your health management.
The decision to undergo genetic testing is deeply personal and should involve careful consideration of the potential benefits and limitations. Positive results can inform important medical decisions, including enhanced screening protocols, preventive medications, or even prophylactic surgery. However, genetic testing also has psychological implications and may affect insurance considerations.
Personalized Care and Treatment Options
As a physician, I pride myself on screening every patient thoroughly and offering comprehensive genetic testing through the MyRisk Myriad panel testing. This advanced testing provides detailed insights into your hereditary cancer risks, allowing us to create truly personalized prevention and screening strategies.
It’s important to note that patients who have had breast cancer or who are at high risk may not be candidates for traditional estrogen therapy. However, this doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. We offer many different personalized treatment options to address concerns like painful intimacy and vaginal dryness, including innovative treatments like the MonaLisa Touch laser therapy, which can significantly improve quality of life without hormonal risks.
Taking Action – Schedule Your Consultation Today
Understanding your risk is the first step toward taking control of your breast health. Whether through regular mammograms, genetic testing, or enhanced screening protocols based on your individual risk factors, early detection remains our most powerful tool in fighting breast cancer.
I offer virtual consultations to make accessing specialized care more convenient for you. Don’t wait to address your concerns about breast cancer risk, genetic testing, or treatment options that fit your unique situation.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation. Your proactive approach today could save your life tomorrow, and I’m here to guide you through every step of your personalized care journey.
Call Dr. Vahora’s office at 727-376-1536 or visit: ParveenVahoraMD.com.
Download our mobile app: https://www.myprivia.com/mobile-app
DR. PARVEEN S. VAHORA, MD, FACOG: Our practice’s mission is to inspire women to live their best lives by providing compassionate and personalized care. We do everything we can to make you feel as comfortable as possible. For all your women’s health needs, we are here by your side through all phases of life.
Our gynecologist’s office is small, intimate, and welcoming. Women under our care are treated with the utmost respect, which means we offer personalized care, educating them on conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures. Our focus is on sexual health. We are proud to offer the MonaLisa Touch® for patients going through menopause as well as post-menopausal women, breast cancer survivors, and those suffering from pain during intercourse or intense dryness. We also offer genetic testing for breast, ovarian, and colon cancer. From birth control to robotic surgery, we have got you covered.
Trinity Office:
9332 State Road 54, Suite 403, Trinity, FL 34655
727.376.1536
