Does an aunt having breast cancer mean I am at increased risk?

[AnyDream]

I had breast cancer and my doctors told me that my daughters now have a higher chance of having it too, but it's a small amount higher not a large amount higher.

Statistically, women with a first or second degree relative with breast cancer are more likely to have a diagnosis themselves. However this does not necessarily mean an increased chance of an individual getting the disease, but it's a good reason to demonstrate an increased level of vigilance.

It's important to understand that the majority of breast cancer does not have a recognized familial or genetic aspect, but when there is, the risk increases sharply. Tip offs for a cancer with a familial pattern are: two or more first or second degree relatives with breast or ovarian cancer (on the same side of the family), a woman in the family diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer under the age of 40, male relatives with breast cancer, and Ashkenazi background. Having a single female relative with breast cancer does not place you in the high risk group.

There are some good fact sheets about this on the BCNA website. But the best thing you can do is discuss it with your doctor.