Questions for Your Provider - Risk Factors and Prevention

For those at average risk of breast cancer

• What steps can I take to lower my risk of breast cancer? What factors may increase my risk?
• How can I estimate my risk of breast cancer? How accurate are the methods?
• What type of breast cancer screening should I have and when should I start?
• How do I find out if I have dense breasts?
• I have been told I have dense breasts.
  • How does having dense breasts increase my risk of breast cancer?
  • What type of breast cancer screening should I have?
   
• What is the best way for me to manage my menopausal symptoms? Is menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use) a safe way to manage them? Are there other options?  

For those at higher risk of breast cancer

• I've been told I'm at high risk for getting breast cancer. What should I do?
  • Should I take tamoxifen or raloxifene? Do the benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks for me?
  • What about prophylactic mastectomy or oophorectomy?
  • When should I start breast cancer screening? How often should I get screened?
  • What type of screening should I have? Can you discuss some of the options (such as MRI) and when would you recommend them for me?
   
• What is the best way for me to manage my menopausal symptoms? Is menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use) a safe way to manage them? Are there other options?
• Is there a clinical trial enrolling people at higher risk of breast cancer? If so, how can I learn more?  

For those with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

• Is LCIS invasive breast cancer?
• What are my treatment options? Which therapies are you recommending for me and why?
• Should I take tamoxifen or raloxifene? Do the benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks for me?
• Is there a clinical trial enrolling people with LCIS? If so, how can I learn more?
• What will my long-term follow-up care include? Who will oversee that care?
• What are my chances of developing non-invasive or invasive breast cancer?
• What is the best way for me to manage my menopausal symptoms? Is menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use) a safe way to manage them? Are there other options?  

For those with breast cancer 

• Are there healthy behaviors that may prolong my survival or reduce my chance of breast cancer recurrence?
• How does my having breast cancer affect the risk of my family members?
• What behaviors can my family members adopt to lower their risk of breast cancer?
• Should my family and I consider genetic testing?
• What issues should my family and I think about when considering genetic testing?
• Can you recommend a genetic counselor to help my family and me decide if genetic testing is right for us?
• How much does genetic testing cost? Does my insurance cover it?
• What is the best way for me to manage my menopausal symptoms? Is menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use) a safe way to manage them? What are other options?

Find out more on talking to your health care provider.

Updated 01/30/13