Breast Cancer Awareness: Understanding Your Risk and Taking the Next Step

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity to learn more about breast health and how to care for ourselves. Maintaining your health involves recognizing symptoms, understanding your personal risk, and knowing what to do if you have concerns.

Understanding Your Family Health History

Your family's medical history can help you understand your risk of developing breast cancer. If any close relatives, such as a parent, sibling, or child, have had breast cancer, your risk is higher. Specific inherited gene mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, also increase this risk.

Discuss your family's medical history with them and share it with your healthcare provider to determine whether you need further screening or genetic counseling.

The fact that there is a family history does not imply that you will get breast cancer, and individuals with no family history can still be diagnosed.

What takes place after an abnormal mammogram?

Receiving a call about an abnormal mammogram can be frightening, but it does not mean you have breast cancer. Sometimes, further testing is needed to get a clearer view of the concerning area.

Your healthcare provider may recommend another mammogram, an ultrasound, or other tests. Attend your follow-up appointments, and if you are unclear about your results or next steps, ask questions. If you have uncertainty regarding your risk of breast cancer or about when to start screening, your healthcare provider can assist you in understanding the various options; make sure you have all your questions answered before booking an appointment, for it is important to start the conversation.

Awareness Starts with Us

Awareness of breast cancer goes beyond just recognizing the symptoms; it involves finding out about our family history of health problems, keeping to our medical appointments, and urging the people nearby to look after their own health. Being proactive also means learning about available screening options, understanding risk factors like age and lifestyle, and supporting community outreach programs. Sharing reliable information with family and friends, participating in awareness events, and encouraging open conversations can also empower others to take charge of their breast health. For more information, you can contact the Jemez Health Clinic at (575) 834-7207.