Higher Risk of Breast Cancer?

Hi everyone,

I've just read on another thread that if you've had endometrial/uterine cancer, you've got a greater risk of getting breast cancer.

Whilst I had my TAH/BSO for severe atypical hyperplasia rather than cancer, my gyn told me that I was very close to having endometrial cancer.

My mother had breast cancer 10 years ago (which she survived), so does this mean that i'm at an even greater risk?

I'm 47 so have not started to have mammograms yet. Do I need to start having these yet?

Can anyone help me please, i'm really worried.

Hi geraldine You'll need to ask your DR about getting a mammogram, but my understanding is that the general guideline is age 40 for a baseline, earlier if you've got a family history. I had my first one at 39, and by 47 was diagnosed with early breast cancer myself, based on changes in the mammograms.

I hope this helps.
s,
-Linda

Hi Geraldine, my understanding re mammagrams age guidelines mirrors Linda's. If I recall correctly breast cancer is one of the cancers which can be hereditary but please consult with your gynocolgist re this. My gyn told me that one of the possible sites of recurrence for endometrial cancer was the breasts; I do not know what this would mean in your case as you only had pre-cancer. Please check with your doctor and let us know how things go.
s, peggiesue

That's about what I understand too. I believe the general consensus is to start mammograms at age 40 (baseline). Then, every two years until age 50. Then every year. Of course, there are always exceptions. Some need to start earlier.

I had my first at age 43. After a few years because a suspicious microcalcification cluster was seen on the film, I had mammo semi-annually for five years. Was diagnosed with DCIS in November '02. I absolutely will have an annual ammo -- and more often if necessary again.

Mary D.

s Geraldine

I thought the first baseline mammogram for all women was at age 35, with annual mammograms starting at age 40.
Don't allow your fear to cause a further delay. Breast cancer is one of those rare cancers with a good early screening tool. And when caught early, is quite curable.

oxoxo karenann

Thank you everyone who's replied to my post.

In the UK the age to start mammograms is 50, that's why I haven't had one yet. I'm not sure whether this changes due to family history or my recent diagnosis of severe atypical, but i'll go to see my DR to ask if I need to be starting them straight away.

I'll let you know what she recommends.

Thanks again,

Geraldine

At my post op visit I asked my doctor if I was at risk for other kinds of cancer. He said that I was at higher risk for breast cancer and that I should take that yearly mammogram very seriously and show up on time.

I work in an out-patient x-ray center, and the usual age to begin mammograms is between 35 and 40 depending upon medical history and family history. I started mine at the age of 35 because I was already at a greater risk for breast cancer.

I, too, have been warned that the chances are greater of getting breast cancer if you've had endometrial. And, my mother and one of her sisters has had breast cancer, so I'm at a much higher risk. I try not to worry about it, do self checks every month and have my mammogram every year. Since working in the medical field, I have learned that early detection is the best, and I thank God for the medial technology that is available to help these doctors.

Hi!

I started having a yearly mammogram at age 32 after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. My mother had breast cancer in both breast, so my gyn thought it would be a idea to go ahead and have the mammograms.

There's nothing to it...just a little pinching.

Jeannie