birth control risk with family history of breast cancer

My mom, grandma and great grandma all had breast cancer.  My mom was the only premenopausal or perimenopausal at 49.  The other two were in there 60's and 70's.  I am 36 and have been off the pill since my mom's diagnosis almost 10 years ago.  I have developed ovarian cysts (simple) over the last few months and my periods are very heavy and increasingly painful.  I just decided to go on Nuvaring to try remedy this.  I chose the ring b/c it has the lowest dose of estrogen.  I am now concerned that I am further increasing my risk by adding estrogen to my system.  I've read various studies and they seem to vary between safe and not safe.  My mom is going for genetic testing next month and depending on her results, I will follow.  Is there good evidence that I should stop the ring and just tough out my periods and these small cysts?  My mom is worried about the ring due to the fact that she started hrt six months before her tumor was found.  She really feels the hrt sped things along.  I appreciate your advice on this confusing subject!  Lynn

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear lynnj124:  There have been several studies regarding oral contraception (hormone).  Most suggest that there may be a small increased risk of developing breast cancer while on the hormones but that the risk returns to normal within a period of time of being off.  The nuva ring may not have been specifically tested and the results would have to be considered in terms of how much estrogen is systemically absorbed.  This may be a good question to discuss with your mother's oncologist or even a genetic counselor who can better outline your risk and help you to determine the best choices for you.