Knowing your personal risk for breast and ovarian cancer is an essential step in knowing your body so you can advocate for your health. However, deciding what to do with that knowledge that you’re at higher risk is a complex and emotional process.
While finding out that you’re at higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer can be scary, you do have additional screening and prevention options available to you — as well as a high risk support group to connect with other individuals walking a similar path.
How do I know if I’m at high risk for breast or ovarian cancer?
Our breast and ovarian cancer risk calculator can help you determine if you may be at increased risk for these diseases. Your personal and family medical history are the biggest clues, so talking to biological family members about their health history is an important step. Not sure what questions to ask? Download our family health history worksheet to get started.
Always discuss these results with your trusted healthcare provider, as they can help you make informed decisions about your health.
What screening and prevention options are there for breast and ovarian cancer?
If you are high-risk there are many approaches (for screening and prevention) that you can take to reduce your risk for ovarian and breast cancer, or to catch the cancer at earlier, more treatable stages. There is not a ‘one size fits all’ care approach for those at high risk. You and your healthcare provider will decide on an individualized plan.
High-risk screening and prevention are extremely personal decisions that should be discussed with a trusted healthcare professional.
Knowledge is power.
The knowledge that you’re at an increased risk for breast or ovarian cancer can feel daunting and overwhelming. But you have options. There is no wrong answer, just the one that’s right for you.
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