Melissa McMahon, Director of the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) at YWCA Princeton, recently spoke at the third annual breast cancer awareness fundraiser, reminding attendees that breast cancer affects both women and men and highlighting several important risk factors.
Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Several factors can influence a person’s risk of developing breast cancer, including:
- Race: Breast cancer symptoms may appear differently across skin tones, making awareness of changes especially important. Black women are more likely than women of other racial groups to develop breast cancer before age 40.
- Family History: Inherited gene mutations, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, can significantly increase breast cancer risk. Certain inherited mutations are more prevalent among people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
- Personal History: A previous breast cancer diagnosis or certain noncancerous breast conditions may increase the risk of developing breast cancer again.
- Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, making it an important risk factor.
Lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, may help reduce risk. However, healthy habits do not eliminate the need for appropriate screening and awareness.
Knowing what is normal for your breasts and recognizing changes are important at any age. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to begin screening and how often to have mammograms based on your age and individual risk. People at elevated risk may also benefit from additional screening, such as breast MRI.
Family history is only one piece of the picture. Most people diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease, underscoring the importance of regular screening and early detection.
The Know Your Lemons Foundation (knowyourlemons.org) offers a helpful visual guide to recognizing potential signs of breast cancer.
12 Signs of Breast Cancer to Know
Changes in the breasts can take many forms. Potential warning signs include:
- A thickened area
- Dimpling of the breast
- Crusting of the nipple
- Persistent pain or itching in one spot
- New or unusual nipple discharge
- Skin sores
- A lump or bump
- A newly visible or growing vein
- A newly inverted nipple or changes in breast shape or size
- Orange-peel-like skin texture or a new rash
- A hard lump
Not every change indicates cancer, but new or unusual symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
What You Should Know About Dense Breasts
One breast cancer risk factor that receives less attention is breast density. Approximately half of women over age 40 have dense breasts. Although dense breasts are common and most women with them will never develop breast cancer, breast density is associated with an increased risk of the disease.
Breast density refers to the proportion of fibroglandular tissue—glands and connective tissue—compared with fatty tissue in the breast. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, as do many breast tumors. This can make cancer more difficult to detect on a mammogram, particularly when the cancer is obscured by surrounding dense tissue.
Breast density is an independent risk factor, meaning it contributes to risk even when other factors, such as age and family history, are considered. However, it is generally considered a moderate risk factor compared with a high-risk inherited mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
What Should You Do If You Have Dense Breasts?
Mammogram results typically include information about breast density. If your results indicate that you have dense breasts, talk with your healthcare provider about what that means for your individual risk and whether additional screening is appropriate.
Options may include:
- 3D mammography: Also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, this technique can improve cancer detection for some people with dense breasts.
- Breast MRI: MRI may be recommended for people at elevated risk, particularly those with additional risk factors. Your provider can help determine whether it is appropriate and when to schedule it.
- Breast ultrasound: Supplemental ultrasound may help detect some cancers that are difficult to see on a mammogram, but it can also lead to false-positive results and additional testing.
The most appropriate screening approach depends on your overall risk, breast density and medical history. Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of supplemental screening with your healthcare provider.
Support Through Every Step of the Journey
For anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, the Breast Cancer Resource Center at YWCA Princeton offers support, education and resources throughout the breast cancer journey.
BCRC provides free wigs, bras and prostheses, along with in-person and virtual support groups, wellness workshops and educational webinars. Its programs help individuals navigate the challenges of diagnosis and treatment while connecting with others who understand their experiences.
Leading these efforts is Melissa McMahon, a healthcare and community service professional with more than 20 years of experience in patient advocacy, nonprofit programming and community outreach. Through her work with BCRC, Melissa helps ensure that individuals facing breast cancer have access to the resources, education and support they need.
Many thanks to the sponsors of this program—Springpoint at Home, Brookdale Senior Living and Caring Hospice Services—for helping make this important event possible. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous attendees who donated $350 to support the programs and services of the Breast Cancer Resource Center.
Together, through education, awareness and community support, we can help more people understand their risk and find the resources they need.
