How many ways can I really increase bc

OMG Marie that is horrible. So young and with young children. This disease is so epidemic.

Rosie - I bet you are sick of it. I didn't have scans or MRIs so I can't relate to that but I can certainly understand your frustration. My mother and sister both had and have BC. We never took the test to determine if we carried the gene. I have a daughter and 3 granddaughters so I'm hoping they will be tested.

Good luck on your tests. Surely there is a stopping point to all of that for you.

Diane

MRI's don't normally pick up cysts.

What MRI's are meant to do is look for blood flow. Cancer needs a blood supply. The thing is is that other kinds of lesions, including the B9 ones, can also have a source of blood flow. That is why they are notorious for false negatives

I haven't kept up to date on the latest genetics for BC, but I am aware that they have come across a couple of other genetic mutuals other than BRCA1 and BRCA2. I would have a discussion with your doctor about them.

So when you say your relatives won't get tested, I am assuming that includes your mother as well? Do you know specifically what kind of breast cancer she had (there are something like 22 different kinds).

I know testing is a pain. I see from your older posts that you have younger children. I hope, for their sake if nothing else, that you stay up to date with testing.

But that is a choice only you can make in the end. And it is indeed your choice to make.

I had expanded testing, too. I unexpectedly found 19 cases of cancer in my 1st & 2nd degree relaives-- lots of breast, uterine, and colon cancers, and others. Turns out I'm BRCA negative, but positive for PALB2, the Pathway And Locator BRCA2. Some scientists think it will eventual be labeled BRCA3. I also have the Chek2 mutation. My risk of BC was over 45%. My risk of colon and pancreatic cancers are 2-3 times the average. My 23YO daughter also is PALB2 & Chek2 positive. Her risk of BC is over 58%, so now she's on surveillance every 6 months.

I sense your anxiety. Given your family history, I don't blame you. But if you have only been tested for BRCA, may I suggest that you may want to have expanded testing. There are several less common genetic mutations that can cause BC.

Definitely get tested for more genetic mutations...My sister had bc 3 years ago, at that time all my sisters and I got tested for the BRCA genes (I have 5 sisters) we were all negative....I thought I was pretty much "in the clear"

well 3 years later, I find a lump and its bc....I had a full panel genetic testing done and have the BARD1 gene mutation, high for breast cancer slight risk of ovarian. My sister went back and asked for that test...she is ALSO positive for this gene (I wish they had tested her for it 3 years ago) and now my twin sister got her results back and she is also pos for BARD1....(she does not have any bc at this point) my other sisters are still awaiting results)

Anyway, my point is with your obvious family history, you should ask for a full panel of genetic testing, have you mom tested too...do it for the sake of your own children.

Sorry you have to deal with this, I hope your MRI comes back clear!

Becky

I posted the following in the Benign conditions forum but am hoping to get some answers here.

I have a few questions about the role of BPE in breast cancer screening.  Hoping someone can clarify and educate me as I prepare for another round of screening.

Quick Google searches yield interesting information.  From what I can tell, increased Background Parenchymal Enhancement (BPE) is another risk factor for developing BC.  I also understand this is different from density.  BPE is only measured from an MRI.  MRI is used as an additional screening tool for dense breasted women, not all with dense breasts have increased BPE, correct?  Are the two related?

Density is greater depending on age, younger meaning more dense.  Is there an age correlation for BPE?  I think so, meaning closer to Menopause the higher BPE?  Sorry, this is a new term for me and I am trying to learn more.

How is my risk increased given I have extremely dense breast (listed as severe, with very little adipose tissue <95%) AND Marked BPE.  So my take on this is mammograms are very difficult to read due to density, and previous MRI notes marked BPE making diagnosis and interpretation more difficult. I also get Ultrasounds, which usually detect up to 150 measurable cysts.  Ouch. The only BC in my family is second and third degree.  I am 46.  My sister did have a preventative Mastectomy due to ADH, ALH, FEA and PASH. 

How important is BPE for increasing the risk of Breast Cancer?  Is BPE just another benign condition?  I have a long list of other benign conditions, just wondering what affects my risk the most.