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Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Assessment 

Welcome to the patient section of The Full Scoop! Here, we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to your health. Risk assessment is a vital first step in creating your effective breast screening plan tailored to your risk, resources, and values.

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Breast cancer doesn’t affect everyone in the same way—factors like family history, lifestyle, genetics, age, and breast density can all influence your level of risk. That’s why it’s recommended that all women undergo a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25. This early evaluation helps identify individuals who may benefit from starting screenings earlier or exploring additional tools, such as ultrasound or MRI.

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But risk isn’t static—it evolves over time. Changes in your health, lifestyle, or family history can impact your risk. That’s why it’s important to reassess your breast cancer risk throughout your life. Regular risk assessments allow you and your healthcare provider to reevaluate your screening plan, ensuring it aligns with your current risk factors.

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Your risk is what shapes your screening plan at every stage of life. By staying informed and proactive, you can make confident decisions about your breast health. Let’s explore how understanding and tracking your risk can lead to early detection and greater peace of mind.

How to Get the Most Out of Your
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

  • Be Prepared: When discussing breast cancer risk factors with your healthcare professional, it helps to provide a comprehensive picture of your risk factors, including lifestyle choices and medical history.                                                                                                                

  • Know Your Risk: While genetic predispositions account for only 5-10% of breast cancer cases, they necessitate more frequent and earlier screenings. Additionally, 50% of women have dense breast tissue, which also increases risk, so stay vigilant. 

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                                                           Click for Patients Guide to Comprehensive Risk Factors.   

                                                                                                  

  • Understand the Gap:  Widely used risk assessment models don’t include all risk factors, and each model evaluates risk differently. Use them as a starting point, along with your personal risk factors, to create the most effective screening plan with your healthcare provider.   

 

  • Genetic Testing: If you have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, colon, or aggressive prostate cancers, consider meeting with a genetic counselor to discuss genetic testing. Understanding your genetic risk can inform more personalized screening and prevention strategies, keeping you informed and proactive about your health.                                                                                                                                                                                   

  • Dense Breast: Additionally, 50% of women have dense breast tissue, which also increases risk, so stay vigilant.

 

                                                          Click for Patients Guide to Understanding Dense Breast

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  • Advocate for Yourself: If your provider relies heavily on a model, don’t hesitate to push for a more tailored risk assessment that considers all factors relevant to you.                                                                                                               

  • Get Ready to Talk: Use our printable risk assessment template to outline your concerns and start a productive discussion with your provider.     

                                                                                         

                                                           Downloadable risk assessment template

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  • Ask Deeper Questions: Take control of your risk assessment by bringing up the nuances that the models might miss:

    • "How does my family history beyond first-degree relatives affect my risk?”

    • "I have dense breasts, is this a risk factor for me?"

    • "Does my past treatment, hormone use, or lifestyle matter?”

    • "How might my race, ethnicity, or background influence screening guidelines?” 

    • "How do environmental factors, like pollution or proximity to industrial areas, impact my risk?" 

    • "Are there any links between mental health (e.g., stress, trauma) and breast cancer risk?"                                               

  • Start the Conversation Early: Risk assessments shouldn’t wait until age 40. Early discussions, starting around age 25, can make all the difference, especially if you have: A family history of breast, ovarian, colon, aggressive prostate cancer, or other red flags for hereditary cancer syndromes.                                                                            

  • Build a Shared Plan: Partner with your healthcare provider to create a personalized screening and prevention plan tailored to your needs. This might include: genetic screening, supplemental screening options (e.g., MRI, CEM, MBI, or ultrasound), preventive measures, adjusting the timing or frequency of screenings, and/ or specialist referrals.    

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  • Second Opinions Matter: Never hesitate to seek clarity or confirmation. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it’s your right to ask for a second opinion. Be Proactive: More information leads to better decisions, for your peace of mind and health.

 

Take Charge Today! Breast cancer prevention and early detection are about more than just screenings—they’re about empowerment, knowledge, and partnership. Use this guide to build confidence in your journey and ensure your screening plan fits your unique story.

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