If Your Mother, Sister, Aunt, or Grandmother Is Diagnosed
Once a close relative is diagnosed with breast cancer, there is the immediate fear that arises that one day you, too, may be diagnosed with breast cancer. This is a legitimate and natural question and concern for anyone who is a close family member. Do not be ashamed of these feelings. You should first consult with your doctor and make sure you are up to date with your screening mammograms. Let your doctor know about your family member who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This will make him aware of your situation and the anxiety that you may be feeling. Recognize that you may be at a higher risk for getting breast cancer and that you will need to be diligent about your breast health care and needs.
Fact
Dealing with the fear of someday being diagnosed with the disease follows the same path as being diagnosed with the disease. First, you need to seek information and educate yourself about your personal risk of getting breast cancer. You may want to seek genetic counseling depending on your loved one's breast cancer diagnosis and characteristics. Many breast cancer centers have a high-risk screening program that you may want to participate in.
In the same way as your close family member made her personal choice about treatment based on her treatment options, you will have to make a personal choice. For example, your sister may have opted for a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy as her choice for treatment once she discovered her high risk and genetic predisposition for recurrence. You will need to examine your own genetic predisposition by seeking genetic counseling, or choose to keep a careful watch and be diligent about breast cancer screening and self-breast exams. It is important to know that whatever you choose, it should be an informed decision. Knowledge will make for better decisions, especially when it is a life-sustaining decision with many physical and emotional implications.
