Family history of breast cancer question?

[MOMINPANIC]

I have posted on here a few times, but it's been awhile as I have felt generally pretty well. My biggest fear has always been that of getting breast cancer. I am 36 years old with large, fibrocystic breasts. I have never had a mammogram and was told by my doctor that I didn't need to worry about it until I was 40; however, I have friends who are getting told that they need a baseline at 35 and then start getting their regular yearly mammograms starting at 40.

I have no family history of breast cancer on my mother's side of the family; however, both my mom and grandmother have history of breast cysts. My paternal grandmother, however, has had bilateral breast cancer, I think 15-20 years between each one. She is alive and well now. If I remember correctly, her sister died of breast cancer as well. I have no paternal aunts, but I am worried that maybe she carries some sort of breast cancer gene and what are the changes of it being carried down to me being she's my paternal grandmother and all? I have had doctors tell me in the past that I will most likely take after my mother's side when it comes to this, but I can't help but worry about it.

I am tempted to call and make an appointment with a different doctor and see about possibly getting a mammogram, but it absolutely scares me to death to get one!! I have a nice family vacation planned in October and what goes through my head is that I can't get a mammogram now because when it comes back that I have breast cancer, I'll have to cancel my plans. I know this sounds crazy, but that's what I'm thinking.

Anyone have any knowledge about familial breast cancer risk? I also worry about colon cancer because my mom and both of her brothers have a history of colon polyps, not cancer, just polyps.

[zippy]

Tell the doctor your concerns about it. My auntie died from breast cancer and the doctor examined me a few months ago i am 41 and she sent me to the breast clinic and i had a mammogram and it was clear.
If you explain they will send you and put your mind at ease and it will be over and you can enjoy your holiday.

[blueangel]

Hi there

The systems here in the UK might be different to the US, but over here it's possible to be tested for two genes that give a predisposition to breast cancer. They are called BRCA1 and BRCA2 if I remember rightly.

However, I think the figures over here state that only about 15% of cases have a genetic link, and at the moment they still don't have clear causes for a lot of the cases that occur every year.

Hope this is helpful.

[BKF1515]

I thought it was something like 27% of cases have a genetic link. But they take you quite seriously here if you have a family history - first line is mother, grandmother and sister and second line is aunt. I am 38 and have had three mammograms already without more than a second line family history. You can look it up however--what your chances are. Good luck.

[crazyhayz]

This is an interesting thread, just out of curiosity, is there a heightened chance of breast cancer if it runs in ur fathers side?? My nan (fathers mum) had breast cancer 5 years ago, and recovered. Shes been fine since & is in her 70s. I dont fear cancer, it was more a question of knowledge really, as i always thought it was ONLY the mothers side that doctors worry about???