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Family history not a factor in breast cancer patients by Lisa F. Baron, MD Co-director Hollings Mammography Center Statistically, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer by age 85 and ironically, 75 to 80 percent have no prior family history of breast cancer. That is why routine breast cancer screening is advised for all women. Methodical breast cancer screening is a three-part approach that must be done in partnership with your health care provider (Table 1) to achieve optimal results. By developing a partnership with your health care provider you assume a major role in your own health care.  Do not be nervous about sharing concerns you may have concerning your health, even if you believe those questions may be trivial. There is important information that you need to supply to your health care provider to ensure a high level of care. This information includes items outlined in table 2. Please discuss any other concerns you may have with your health care provider.  It is critical that you notify your health care provider in a timely manner if you should develop any new findings not previously known. Please speak with your provider if any recommendation is confusing to you or if you have any questions.  By forming a partnership with your health care provider, you can help achieve optimal health care. As a partner, you assume the responsibility to keep your appointments, perform monthly self breast examinations and schedule yearly clinical breast examinations. And as a partner, you work with your health care provider in the early detection of breast cancer. Please call 792-8439 for information or to schedule a mammogram at the Hollings Mammography Center. Age Teens  - late 30’s  Recommendations Self-breast examination   every month Clinical breast examination   every year Age  35 - 40  Recommendations Baseline mammogram    once 40 and above  Self-breast examination    monthly     Clinical breast examination   yearly     Mammogram     yearly Table 1: American Cancer Society Recommendations for Breast Cancer Screening