What Do You Do If You Know You're Predisposed To a Risk Of Breast Cancer

zoeziegler32
May 25
4 min read

Written by Zoe Ziegler

Sources linked at bottom of page

last updated: 5/25/26

What Does it Mean to be Predisposed to Breast Cancer?

Well, by a multitude of perspectives of looking at it. Most likely if a doctor says you have a higher risk of breast cancer they are referencing...

Family History of Breast Cancer

These are factors you can´t change, for example if your mother or aunt had breast or ovarian cancer can increase risk. Even a history of noncancerous breast diseases from you or your family are more likely to get breast cancer. Your Breast Density is a factor as well that you cannot change, Herscereen has already published an article explaining this link and other risks mentioned later. You can also obtain genetic mutations to genes that increase risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Up to 1 in 10 people with breast cancer have a hereditary mutation.

What is BRCA1 and BRCA2?

BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) is a gene that when it mutates makes you at increased risk for multiple cancers and more aggressive ones as well. This was the first gene acsociated with heriditary breast cancer. BRCA1 is a part of a group of proteins that repairs DNA and prevents tumors, which prevents the cells from gorwing and dividing uncontrollably leading to cancer.

BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene 2) also is a part of a group of proteins that repairs DNA preventing tumors. “There’s not that drastic a difference between BRCA1 and BRCA2. Essentially, they share the same umbrella of different cancers,” says Latina. “To me the difference is what do we do based on the risk?”. But BRCA2 is associated with less agressive cancers.

If you know your BRCA status, you know how important it is and how it can help decide what treatments are better for certain kinds of cancers, you can talk to your doctor to get tested via genetic testing to find out more information on these genes and your history.

How Do I Take Action Now If I Know I Have a Heightened Risk?

This is a scary, overwhelming thought that so many women and girls get anxious over. Though, awareness can start at any age and preventative action especially as a teenager can help shape the habits we have as we grow- forming the outcomes of our health.

Alcohol Consumption

There are a multitude of ways to ensure that you are lowering your chances of breast cancer. As a teenager it is important to stay sober or limit drinking as much as possible, as the chemical in alcohol (Acetaldehyde) damages DNA, breast tissue as well and increases your estrogen levels and chance of breast cancer. Jennifer Davis, a board-certified gynecologist agrees that even a moderate amount of alcohol consumption after menopause can increase risk heavily.

Diet

Eating choicefully with foods rich in fruits vegtables and protein is associated with a lower risk. This doesn't mean be restrictive, but eating food to fuel your body whatever that might look like for you is key to your overall health which crosses over to cancer risk

Physical Activity/Obesity

Being physically active can improve many faucets of your life, and even stop things like Osteoporosis from developing as you age. Strength training and moving your body is a way to maintain a healthy weight that influences your hormone levels. Fat tissue produces estrogen, estrogen is the fat cells primary source after menopause. If you have more fat cells it can fuel more hormone-sensitive cancers. This is one of the most crucial and preventative choices you can create for yourself as a teenager and adult.

Smoking

Smoking is a carcinogen and can put you at risk to multiple cancers including breast cancer. It is vital you stop smoking if you are willing to do all else.

Hormonal Birth control risk

Some studies have shown use of hormonal birth controls can have a slight increase in breast cancer, but at the same time there are many studies contrasting this as well. Talk to your doctor about your specific prescription and what risks really apply to you. Not an online study. Birth control is a tool that should be utilized by young women.

Being High Risk Does NOT Mean You Will Get Cancer

Generally people hear about their family history or bad habits like drinking that have an effect on proneness to cancer, but to remind anyone curious about their breast health or overall wellbeing. Predisposition does not equal certainty. Genes increase probability, not our fate. Things Herscreen offers is insightful information to the imperative early awareness more women should have. Giving people more control, not less.

Sources:

“What Is the Difference Between BRCA1 and BRCA2?” Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feb. 2026, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Accessed 25 May 2026.

“BRCA2.” Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Accessed 25 May 2026.

“Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Treatment, Symptoms, and Research.” Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Accessed 25 May 2026.

“BRCA1.” Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Accessed 25 May 2026.

“Breast Cancer.” Be BRCA Aware, Be BRCA Aware. Accessed 25 May 2026.

Be BRCA Aware. Be BRCA Aware. Accessed 25 May 2026.

“Breast Cancer Risk Factors.” National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute. Accessed 25 May 2026.

“Risk Factors for Breast Cancer.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 25 May 2026.

“Alcohol and Breast Cancer After Menopause.” MLRB International, MLRB International. Accessed 25 May 2026.