Panhandle Breast Health

A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease, such as breast cancer. But having a risk factor, or even many, does not mean that you are sure to get the disease. Some risk factors for breast cancer are things you cannot change, such as being born female, getting older or inheriting certain gene changes. These make your risk of breast cancer higher. -- American Cancer Society

Risk assessment tools that include family history in first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, and children) and second-degree relatives (such as aunts and grandparents) on both sides of the family should be used with the American Cancer Society guidelines to decide if a woman should have MRI screening. The use of any of the risk assessment tools and its results should be discussed by a woman with her health care provider.

High risk factors include:
A lifetime risk of breast cancer of about 20% to 25% or greater, according to risk assessment tools based mainly on family history
A known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation (based on genetic testing)
Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, and have not had genetic testing themselves
Had radiation therapy to the chest before they were 30 years old
Have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have first-degree relatives with one of these syndromes

PBH thanks the Amarillo Sod Poodles for supporting our mission by donating a portion of online ticket sales for Saturday's game.

Women who are at high risk for breast cancer based on certain factors should get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, typically starting at age 30. -- American Cancer Society

Drinking alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who have 1 alcoholic drink a day have a small (about 7% to 10%) increase in risk compared with those who don't drink, while women who have 2 to 3 drinks a day have about a 20% higher risk. Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of other types of cancer, too. -- American Cancer Society

Fundraising events are more than just fun gatherings, they help save lives. Every ticket purchased, raffle entered, and sponsorship secured helps PBH provide access to life-saving breast cancer screenings for uninsured women in the Texas Panhandle. Your support truly makes a difference. Contact us for more information at [email protected].