Young Women, Family History and Breast Cancer Knowledge is Powe.

(LifeWire) - Jennifer Davis was 19 years old when her mother, then 49, was diagnosed with breast cancer. In a way, it wasn't a surprise. Breast cancer killed her maternal great-grandmother at age28. Her maternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer at 69. Then, as her mother underwent surgery and started chemotherapy, Davis found a lump in her own breast . Although it was benign, she wasterrified. "I had just seen my mother go through chemo and I wondered if I was next," recalled Davis, a Washington, D.C. resident. Genetic testing confirmed Davis had inheritedthe gene mutation that increases her risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. At age 23, she is diligent about screening and a healthy lifestyle, and she is giving serious thought to eventually removing her breasts and ovaries as a dramatic, but effective, preventative measure. Because genetic testing is still relatively new, researchers aren't sure how many people have one of the gene mutations associated with breast cancer. But they estimate that up to 30% of American women have an immediate family member who was treated for breast cancer. This means that even young women with a known family history ofthe disease can start taking steps to protect their own health. However, this also presents tough choices, including whether to undergoprophylactic surgery or take medications thatdecrease the risk of breast cancer but often have side effects. Determining Risk The average American woman has a 12% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime; this figure can more than double for a woman with a family history of breast cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, women with a "first-degree" relative -- such as a mother or sister -- who had breast cancer have an approximately 30% chance ofdeveloping the disease, too. If that first-degree relative is diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer (breast cancer in both breasts),the risk jumps to 36%. Among those with "second-degree" relatives (grandmother, aunt or niece), lifetime risk is about 22%. For those with a "third-degree" relative (cousin, great-grandparent or great-aunt) who had breast cancer, the risk is 16%. Yet family history doesn't guarantee a breast cancer diagnosis. Experts estimate that only 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. In addition, the gene mutations associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer appear to be uncommon in the general population. These are the genemutations labeled BRCA1 and BRCA2 by researchers. BRCA stands for breast cancer and the numbers indicate the order researchers discovered the gene mutations. Although exact prevalence of the mutations isunknown, one study found that within a group of approximately 2,300 women, ages 35 to 64, about 2.9% of white women, 1.4% of black women and 10.2% of Jewish womenhad BRCA1 mutations. The study found that 2.6% of black women, 2.1% of white women and 1.1% of Jewish women had the BRCA2 mutation. To assess personal risk, see the National Cancer Institute's website for its breast cancer risk assessment tool . Genetic Testing Many physicians now advise women with a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer to pursue genetic testing, but this personal decision can bring its share of emotions, as well as useful information. According to a Canadian study of 39 people who tested positive for the gene mutation, the majority viewed the results as enabling. Participants said the testing allowed them to take a more proactive approach to their health care. But a minority expressed feelingsof hopelessness and uncertainty. These individuals said they felt "neither ill nor completely well." Though health insurance and discrimination was previously a concern, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007-2008 ensures nationwide protection for individuals against health care insurance and employment discrimination. Screening For most women under age 35, breast cancerscreening is not part of their annual health routine. But for women with a family history of breast cancer, experts say screening should begin as early as age 25. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center recommends that women who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancershould begin yearly mammograms starting 10 years earlier than when the youngest family member was diagnosed. For example, if a mother was diagnosed at age 42, her daughter should begin annual mammography testing at age 32. For womenin this risk factor group, experts also recommend clinical breast exams at least twice each year and monthly, self exams beginning at age 20.Prevention Research shows that smoking and a fatty diet contribute further to one's risk of cancer, so a healthy lifestyle is especially important for someone with a family history of the disease