i am worried...

[xLiLShortie817x]

hey just yesterday we found out my grandmother has breast cancer.  i am worried that my mother will end up with cancer.  my great great grandmother died at age 64 from breast cancer, my great grandmother died at age 64 from breast cancer and just two days ago my grandmother found out on her birthday that the two lumps they removed were cancerous.  there were two lumps that grew togeather to form a 2 inch lump.  she is going back to surgery in about two weeks for another surgery to scrape the cells out of her breast to make sure there were no cancerous ones left, and to remove one or two things from under her arm.  i am very worried that she is going to die soon.  also i am afraid that my mother is going to end up with it.  she hasnt gone for a mamogram for a while and my aunt was yelling at her for not doing that.  so she is going to set one up with her doctor.  i am also worried that later in life i might have a chance of getting it.  is cancer that genetic for it to be running in my family for that long?  i am just worried about my grandmother and possibly later my mom having it.  thank you for your time!

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear xLiLShortie817x:  From what you are saying, your grandmother's cancer is localized so far.  It sounds as though the plan is to check the lymph nodes.  Depending on the results of this and other testing, recommendations will be made for treatment.  It is important to realize that breast cancer treatment in 2006 is very different from the treatment that your great grandmother and great great grandmother may have received.  There is a good possibility that your grandmother can be effectively treated and maybe even cured, depending on the specifics that are not yet known.  

In terms of the genetics, there are breast cancers that do run in families.  The greatest concern is when these cancers occur in the family members early in life (premenopause).  However, your grandmother having breast cancer may put your mother at higher risk, so screening will be important for her.  In terms of your risk, family history is most significant when your first degree relatives (mother, sister, daughter).  In light of the number of women in your extended family who have had breast cancer, you may be best served by having a discussion with a medical breast specialist or a medical genetics specialist who can review your family history as well as any other personal risk factors you may have and discuss your risk and a plan for screening.  These experts are usually located at large academic medical centers.

[xLiLShortie817x]

thanks for your help...by the way i am 14 1/2. bout to be 15 in august

[japdip]

While awaiting the ans. from the forum professionals this might help. You are correct that you are at risk due to your family history of breast cancer. Don't be too quick to condem your grandmother or your mother ..... treatments are very successful now and getting better every day. Your mother SHOULD have routine mammograms due to the higher risk and although you don't mention your age; you should have a screening mammogram earlier than the usual recommended age of 40 yrs. Self examination monthly and a yearly clinical exam by your physician is also something your family should do.