Lump in breast

[mandyandjohn]

I have had these lumpy feeling things in my breast since I can remember.I am 33 with 4 children.When I was 17 I had them checked to make sure they were normal.I forget what they called them but anyway.I went to the doctor today and she found something on the top of my breast.When I feel it it doesnt feel like a round lump it feels like a longer hard piece of tissue that I have always had.She said since my moms sister and my moms niece had breat cancer I'm at a high risk for it.I have been told before that if its not my mom or my sister then my risk are no higher than anyone elses.I am going to have a mammogram in October...What is your opinion?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear mandyandjohmn, When discussing breast cancer risk factors and risk of close blood relatives this is usually going to refer to first degree relative (mother, sister or daughter).  Having one first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman's risk. Having 2 first-degree relatives increases her risk about 5-fold.  Although the exact risk is not known, women with a family history of breast cancer in a father or brother also have an increased risk of breast cancer. Altogether, about 20% to 30% of women with breast cancer have a family member with this disease.  (It's important to note this means that 70% to 80% of women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of this disease).  If you are concerned a consultation with a genetics counselor might be helpful in terms of better understanding your individual risk, these counselors are often associated with large medical facilities.

It is a good idea to follow-up on a recommended evaluation of an area of concern found on breast exam, as you are doing.