​​​​​​​​​​As we all know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. It’s touched my life in several different ways. My grandma, a family friend and now my cousin—all diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember when I was in high school that my grandma called my dad with the news. When he came back in the house, he sat us down and told us that grandma had breast cancer. She passed many years later, but I’ve always wondered what it would have been lik​​e if she was diagnosed today. Technology and medical advancements in breast cancer have come a long way, and early detection is key. From self-exams to mammograms, we need to know all the details, so I asked The Christ Hospital breast surgeon Dr. Kelly McLean​ about this important topic.

When to get checked

Since early detection is key, I asked Dr. McLean when we should typically start screening for breast cancer. She said, “At age 40 or 10 years younger than the youngest person in your family with breast cancer. Whichever comes first.” I get my mammogram every year, usually in the fall. Dr. McLean said women should, “at minimum, get mammograms with tomosynthesis (3D) annually. Women under 30, with dense breast tissue or with a lifetime risk greater than 20% may benefit from screening with MRIs in addition to mammograms.”

What to expect at a screening

I would say the process is pretty easy, but I wanted to ask Dr. McLean what she tells her patient to expect on their first mammogram. She explained, “screening mammograms are fast. The whole process will probably take about 15 minutes. Your breast will be compressed between two plates. The mammography technician will want to get far back to your chest wall in order to image all of your breast tissue. There are two standard views — cranial caudal (top down) and medio-lateral oblique (diagonal). If you get a 3D mammogram, then they will also do a panoramic of your breasts. The radiologist will read the images at the end of that day. A report should show up in your chart that day or the next. The hospital will call you if you need to come in for more directed imaging to look at a particular area.” The good news is that almost all insurance companies cover screening mammograms. Some do not cover the 3D component. Make sure you call your insurance company before you schedule just to be sure.

Family history risk

Since I do have a small family history of breast cancer, I’ve always wondered if I am at higher risk, and that depends—but there are some risks factors that we should be thinking about when it comes to breast cancer. Dr. McLean listed them out for us and said they fall into a few categories. They include:

1. Lifetime estrogen exposure (age of monarchy, age of menopause, use of hormone replacement therapy)

2. Family history (breast cancer, gynecological cancer (uterine/ovarian), prostate cancer, other cancers)

3. Age of first full term pregnancy/no pregnancy

4. Body Mass Index (BMI)

5. Alcohol intake

6. Diet — high in processed foods

7. Exercise

8. History of previous breast biopsies and the results

9. Age

10. Breast density

If you do have a family history of breast cancer, your risk can be increased. Dr. McLean said, “a family history of breast or other cancers can increase your lifetime risk of developing breast cancer whether or not a genetic mutation is identified. Keep in mind, however, that about 3 out of 4 women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of it.”

If you’d like more information or would like to book an appointment with Dr. McLean, click here.