Posted 18 minutes ago
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness, support those affected, and highlight the importance of early detection for breast cancer. While most breast cancers are environmental, about 5–10% are hereditary. Knowing whether you may be at an increased risk to develop breast cancer can make a big difference for prevention and early care.
Hereditary breast cancer happens when a person inherits a gene mutation (change) that increases their risk of developing breast cancer. Two of the highest risk breast cancer genes that people may be more familiar with are BRCA1 and BRCA2. While some consumer testing such as online ancestry tests may include some degree of testing for BRCA1/2, it’s still important to see a genetic counselor as the testing a medical professional can offer is more in depth and comprehensive. Additionally, it’s necessary to recognize that there are other genes that increase the risk of breast cancer other than BRCA1/2. Though not a complete list, some other notable genes include PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM.
If you do have a genetic mutation related to breast cancer, there can be medical management recommendations that include high risk breast cancer screening such as alternating breast MRIs and mammograms every 6 months, and/or the consideration of a risk reducing mastectomy. In addition, there are also implications for family members as first-degree relatives would have a 50% chance of having the same genetic mutation.
As a genetic counselor, I see patients for a variety of indications, some including a personal or family history of breast cancer at an age younger than 50, male breast cancer, multiple relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer, and triple negative breast cancer. If you’re concerned about your family history, speaking with a genetic counselor can help you determine if genetic testing is right for you.
Cassidy Pedraza, MS, CGC
Cassidy joined Ironwood Cancer Center and Research Centers in February 2025. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in psychology from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Arizona State University. During her training at Arizona State, she completed several clinical rotations at various institutions including Banner, Mayo Clinic, Ironwood Cancer Center, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Her interests in genetic counseling include cancer genetics and improving health care access. Outside of work, Cassidy enjoys traveling, spending time with her friends and family, and trying new restaurants.
Please ask your Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers doctor for a referral to see our genetic counselor.