Breast cancer isn't simply a statistic that we hear on the nightly news. Nor is it something that simply runs in a family. Each woman needs to address her health issues individually. For empowerment and knowledge, the uniqueness of each woman makes every health decision a personal and important decision.< p>

Family history plays a very large part in how a woman is monitored for breast cancer. For example, consider those long forms you fill out every time you see a new doctor. Physicians look to your personal health history to help make choices on your care. It's exactly the same with breast cancer. You need to provide your doctor as much historical information as possible to aid in determining the best monitoring situation for you. When you have a history of breast cancer in the family, your care begins with providing every bit of information that you can to your doctor.

A diagnosis for your mother, aunt, sister, or cousin does not necessarily mean you will have a breast cancer diagnosis too. Instead, this information is used to gauge your overall probability. It's really not possible to prevent cancer but there are lifestyle changes and monitoring activities so you can be proactive with your health.   Take steps to take care of your own health.

Being a breast cancer survivor myself with two young daughters and also being the child of a survivor, I was very concerned for my girl's future health. Among the many things that crosses the mind when diagnosed is "will I see my children grow" but also "will I be here to help my own girls if they ever have to face breast cancer?"  I addressed this situation first by going directly to a cancer specialist and asking what could be done for my girls. I had a blood test to determine the genetic relationship of my type of cancer. In my case, it wasn't showing genetic indicators. Despite that lack of genetic marker, my are considered high risk because of the back-to-back generation breast cancer in our family.

Because my children are the children and grandchildren of breast cancer survivors, they will be monitored at a younger age, despite the lack of genetic indicators present. Their baseline mammograms will be done years before the norm simply because breast cancer runs in the family. Early detection is the key to a great prognosis. This cannot be stated enough. I found a lump with a regular monthly self-breast exam--a self-exam that I did like a religion because my mother was a survivor.

So what should you do? 

1. Don't be afraid. Simply having breast cancer run in your family isn't a recipe for disaster. Instead, consider it a call to be vigilant.
2. Monitor your health very closely and of course, have regular mammograms. Monthly breast exams are a must.
3. Take care of yourself completely. A good diet, exercise, stop smoking, etc., everything that puts you in the best health is best for you.
4. Talk to your doctor. Express your concerns with your gynecologist about your family history. Let them know your worry. Your concerns are legitimate. Make sure to arm yourself with as many facts about your relatives as possible.
5. Talk to your family. Pick their brains for information. Ask whether any of them had genetic marker testing completed. Gather information on your family's type of breast cancer to educate yourself.
6. Make educated decisions. Some women choose to have mastectomies based on the whether breast cancer is prevalent in their family. Arm yourself with as much information as possible before you make this difficult decision.