Women’s OBGYN breast cancer risk factors in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA

Almost everyone knows someone who has been impacted by breast cancer

Women’s OBGYN provides care to Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA women. This special group of physicians play an important role in the early detection of breast cancer. This disease impacts roughly one in eight women, meaning almost everyone knows someone who has been impacted by this disease. That’s why regular visits to your women’s OBGYN is so important.

All women are at risk, but certain factors can increase your risk of breast cancer

All women are at risk of developing breast cancer. But, typically, the older you are the higher your risk becomes. However, there are certain factors that can put you at increased risk. Women with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk. Other risk factors include genetic mutations, having dense breasts, your reproductive history, and being exposed to radiation.

What you can do to decrease your risk

Though there is no way to totally prevent developing breast cancer, there are things you can do to ensure it is caught early. The first thing you should do is tell your women’s OBGYN if you have a family history of the disease. To watch for early signs of the disease, your women’s OBGYN may have you have mammograms earlier than others and ensure you are doing regular self checks as well.

Some people with a family history of the disease choose to undergo genetic testing to check for the gene mutation. This can either help women keep an eye out, or some may choose to undergo preventive procedures to decrease their risk of developing it.

Your women’s OBGYN may also suggest lifestyle changes to keep you healthy and lower your risk of breast cancer. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, being active, and attending regular wellness checks with your women’s OBGYN.

Lastly, be sure to perform breast self-exams each month at home. Nobody is more familiar with your body than you, so keeping an eye out for any changes is important. If you notice a sign of cancer such as a lump, contact your women’s OBGYN to make an appointment right away.

Women’s OBGYN in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA

Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA women cannot totally prevent themselves from developing breast cancer. But, they can take steps to reduce their risk or detect signs early. Regular visits to your women’s OBGYN, such as one of the team members at Georgia OBGYN, includes breast exams and, as you get older, mammograms at nearby Northside Hospital. This October, which is breast cancer awareness month, is the perfect time to make an appointment with your OBGYN if it’s been a while since you’ve been in.