Breast Lump Worried

[Mayes01]

Hi, I'm new to this and I hope I am posting in the Breast Cancer Forum. Last year 2006, I had my first mammogram at age 38, I found a small lump near my left  nipple .My Gyn. referred me to a breast center.  The breast center physician stated that my breast were dense and the lump was a swollen lymp node and I should take vitamin E. The lump did disappear. November 2007 during my monthly breast exam I found a much larger lump in my left breast. It appears to be solid and fixed. It is not painful. It feels to be elongated . It is located at 11:00 position, 2 inches from my aerola. The appearance of my breast have not changed with the exception of my nipple it skin tone is darker. I do have itching of the left  nipple and at time pain in my left under arm. I have not family history of breast cancer, but I do have family history of cancer, my father has small cell carsanoma lung cancer. My question is this- Is breast cancer genetically linked only to the mother?

[sonu78]

Hi,
The breast cancer is also genetically linked. If any of your family members in first degree would put you on the high risk category apart from other factors.
There are few genes which have been shown to increase the risk like BRCA1 and BRCA 2.
Now maternal side history does play a significant in comparison to paternal side.

[riley180]

Hi. Familial risk in breast cancer counts relatives separately on either side of the family tree. For example, you do not add your mother with your father's sister to make a total of 2 family members with history of cancer. Increased risk is defined as 2 members with breast cancer, one member with breast cancer on both breasts, one member with both breast and ovarian cancer, one member with breast another member with ovarian cancer.
My best to you.

[often]

No   breast cancer can be genetically linked to either parent.   Also, approximately 80 % of diagnosed women have no family history. You need to get an appointment and have this checked out.