Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why Knowing Your Risk Matters

By Libby Joffe, MD

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an important reminder of the value of early detection. But after more than 30 years practicing internal medicine, I've learned that protecting your health requires more than following screening recommendations. It starts with understanding your individual risks, asking the right questions, and having a physician who knows you well enough to help guide your decisions.

At Advanced Internal Medicine, preventive care is at the heart of my practice. My goal isn't simply to identify health problems when they arise. It's to help patients recognize potential risks early, make informed decisions, and take a proactive approach to their long-term health.

Breast cancer screening is an important part of that commitment.

Breast cancer screening isn't one-size-fits-all

Most women know mammograms play an important role in detecting breast cancer. What isn't always clear is when to begin screening, how often to schedule mammograms, or whether additional testing may be appropriate.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women have the option to begin annual screening at age 40.

A woman's family history, breast density, previous biopsies, genetic factors, and overall health can influence her risk and screening needs. Some women may benefit from earlier or additional screening, including breast MRI.

That's why I believe these decisions deserve an individualized conversation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

One of the conversations I encourage women to have is about their family medical history.

Has your mother, sister, or grandmother had breast cancer? What about relatives on your father's side? Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or breast cancer at a young age?

These details matter. Certain patterns of cancer in a family may suggest an inherited risk that warrants genetic counseling or additional evaluation.

It's also important to understand that most women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. Having no affected relatives doesn't eliminate the need for appropriate screening.

As an internist, I look at these factors within the broader context of each patient's health. Knowing someone's medical history, lifestyle, concerns, and personal circumstances helps me provide more thoughtful preventive care.

What happens after the mammogram matters, too

Scheduling a mammogram is important, but so is understanding the result and knowing what comes next.

An abnormal mammogram doesn't necessarily mean cancer. It may indicate that additional imaging or testing is needed. Still, waiting for answers can be stressful, particularly when patients don't understand the findings or the next steps.

I believe patients should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing their concerns with their physician. They deserve clear explanations and guidance throughout the process, whether that means reviewing results, discussing additional testing, or coordinating care with a specialist.

This is one of the reasons I value the concierge medicine model. Having more time with my patients allows us to discuss preventive screenings in greater depth, address concerns, and develop care plans based on their individual needs.

Although mammograms are essential for early detection, breast health is also part of a broader commitment to wellness.

Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, and discussing hormone therapy with your physician can all play a role in managing breast cancer risk.

Not every risk factor is within our control, and even women who make healthy lifestyle choices can develop breast cancer. But understanding the factors we can influence gives us an opportunity to take a more active role in our health.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month encourages important conversations, but those conversations shouldn't end when October does.

If you're overdue for a mammogram, uncertain about your family history, or wondering whether your screening plan is appropriate for your age and risk factors, I encourage you to speak with your physician.

At Advanced Internal Medicine, I want my patients to feel informed, supported, and confident in the decisions they make about their health. For me, that's what preventive medicine is all about: Building a relationship that allows us to look beyond today's concerns and work together toward a healthier future.