Here's how family medical history plays a role in six conditions common in women, and what you can do about it. Of course, eating a healthy diet, exercising and staying at a healthy weight can lower your risk for just about everything.
Breast Cancer
The Family DynamicHaving a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer doubles your own risk; two first-degree relatives with it raises your risk fivefold. Women who have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation have up to an 80% chance of developing breast cancer, compared with 12% in the general population.
Steps to TakeIf you're BRCA-positive, start annual mammograms and clinical breast exams by age 25 (earlier if recommended by your doctor). Adding a yearly MRI breast check six months after each mammogram may increase detection of early-stage cancers in women with a strong family history.
Colon Cancer
The Family DynamicA family history of this cancer raises your risk two to four times. If you test positive for a genetic mutation linked to colon cancer, such as Lynch syndrome, you can have up to a 75% chance of developing colon cancer by age 65.
Steps to TakeAsk your doctor about starting colonoscopies by age 20 to 25, or five to 10 years before the earliest diagnosis in your family--whichever comes first. Repeat every year or as your doctor advises.
Diabetes
The Family DynamicOne parent with type 2 diabetes may raise your risk one to two times higher than average. If both paSteps to TakeThe best checks--transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood testing--aren't perfect, but experts recommend them for women with a genetic risk (a strong family history or a BRCA mutation)....
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