Healthy Living Q&A

You May Lower Your Risk for Breast Cancer

Q: I have a strong history of breast cancer on both sides of my family. Is there anything I can do to help lower my risk and that of my daughter?

Have A Question? Do you have a Healthy Living question you'd like to ask a Kelsey-Seybold doctor or health care professional?

Use our form to submit your question

“Women of all ages can do a lot to reduce their risk for breast cancer,” says Rosemary Schempp, M.D., a specialist in Internal Medicine at Kelsey-Seybold’s Humble Clinic. “Starting in your 20s, examine your breasts every month to look for lumps, dimpling or other changes in skin texture, or unusual tenderness or discharge.”

For women ages 20 to 39, a clinical breast exam should be performed by your primary care provider or gynecologist at least every three years.Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year.

“For women like you and your daughter who may be at an increased risk, consult your doctor about the benefits and limitations of more frequent screening,” notes Dr. Schempp.

Early detection is critical in preventing breast cancer. A mammogram screening, clinical breast exam and breast self-exam are usually the best lines of defense. “Breast self-exams are a useful way to detect breast cancer, but these are not a substitute for a mammogram and regular breast exams performed by a medical professional,” adds Dr. Schempp. “If an abnormal area shows up on your mammogram, you may need to have more X-rays or a biopsy to tell for sure if cancer is present.”

A family history of breast cancer plays a big role in contributing to your risk for breast cancer. “Make sure to tell your doctor about breast cancer occurrences in your family,” says Dr. Schempp. “You should also ask your doctor about when to start and how often to check for breast cancer.”