Hereditary Signs of Breast Cancer
When a close relative has had breast cancer it makes many women more aware of the signs of breast cancer, and worried that they will develop it themselves.
In fact very few of the causes of breast cancer are hereditary, and having one close relative with the disease does not necessarily increase your personal risk.
However there are certain family circumstances that do slightly increase your risk of breast cancer. All women should check their breasts regularly for signs of breast cancer, but if one of these family situations applies to you, you need to be extra vigilant.
This list applies only to blood relations (not those related by marriage) on the same side of the family maternal or paternal).
Be extra aware of the signs of breast cancer if you have: 
- two or more close relatives that have been diagnosed with breast cancer
- a male relative who’s had breast cancer
- one or more close relatives that have had breast cancer when they were under 40
- at least one close relative who has had breast cancer and another who has had ovarian cancer
- at least one close relative who’s had breast cancer in both breasts or who’s had both breast and ovarian cancer
Certain ethnic backgrounds such as Ashkenazi Jews are more likely to develop breast cancer and these groups should be very vigilant in checking for the signs of breast cancer.
Find out the common signs of breast cancer here, and learn how to check for them here.
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