Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What Does It Mean To Be High-Risk?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we asked Fallon Raper with the Oklahoma Cancer Specialist Research Institute to talk about “high-risk” breast cancer.

"[High-risk breast cancer] means that they most likely have a family history, whether on their mom or dad's side, that increases the risk of developing breast cancer. And so we ask women by the age of 30 to go and have your primary care calculate your risk for you to determine if you meet that high-risk criterion so that we can initiate the appropriate imaging for them at the appropriate time,” Fallon explained.

When it comes to high-risk individuals, she says that they will probably need to get tested more frequently than those at an average risk.

“For an average-risk woman, the recommendation for mammograms begins at the age of 40. However, for high-risk patients, this could begin sooner, and they may need additional imaging on top of their screening mammograms on an annual basis,” Fallon responded.

Medical experts say it is important to know one's risk, as it could be a matter of life and death. Fallon agreed, stating that early detection is crucial for better outcomes. When asked about ways to decrease breast cancer risk, Fallon suggested lifestyle changes such as limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco use, and maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and a balanced diet. She stressed the need for all generations, especially those with a family history, to be proactive and get evaluated for their risks.

“Especially if you know that you have a family history, you really need to get in and get evaluated so that we can start your imaging sooner. And so, like I said, that we could potentially catch breast cancer early if we do happen to catch it,” Fallon said.

For those with further questions, Fallon recommended the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Oklahoma Cancer Specialists' Breast Clinic as reliable resources.