🩺 Step 5: Learn the Importance of Screening and Surveillance
Breast Cancer
- Mammograms: Begin yearly or bi-yearly at age 40 or earlier if high risk.
- Breast MRI: Recommended for women with high genetic risk.
- Self-exams: Know your normal and report any changes.
Ovarian Cancer
- No standard screening test.
- Transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood test may be used for high-risk individuals.
- Watch for persistent symptoms:
- Bloating
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary urgency
- Feeling full quickly
🕵️♀️ Note: Advocate for yourself. If symptoms persist, push for further testing.
🛡️ Step 6: Know Your Preventive Options
For high-risk women, especially BRCA mutation carriers, several preventive strategies are available.
Medical Options:
- Oral contraceptives: Reduce ovarian cancer risk by up to 50%.
- Anti-estrogen medications: Such as Tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention.
Surgical Options:
- Risk-reducing mastectomy: Prevents up to 90–95% of breast cancers in high-risk women.
- Salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries): Greatly reduces ovarian and breast cancer risk if done before menopause.
🩹 Tip: These decisions are personal and complex. Discuss with a team that includes an oncologist, genetic counselor, and gynecologist.
🧘♀️ Step 7: Focus on Empowerment Through Education
Learning about the link between breast and ovarian cancer isn’t meant to cause fear — it’s meant to provide tools for action.
What You Can Do Today:
- Talk to your doctor about your personal and family history.
- Consider genetic testing if appropriate.
- Share information with your family — cancer risk is often a family concern.
- Stay informed through trusted sources like:
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute
- FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered)
Final Thoughts
The connection between ovarian and breast cancer is real, well-documented, and highly relevant for women everywhere. Understanding the genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle links between these diseases can lead to earlier diagnosis, better prevention, and more personalized care.
If you’ve ever felt confused or overwhelmed by cancer risk information, you’re not alone. But by taking it step by step — learning, assessing, screening, and acting — you take control of your health and future.
Remember, knowledge is power, and when it comes to cancer, early action can save lives.
