Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have been told that breast cancer usually skips a generation, how true is this?

ANSWER: There is no such fixed rule. Most cases of breast cancer have no genetic background. Those that do have it are NOT cases of inherited disease. What is inherited is an increased risk of developing breast cancer. That may skip or not skip a generation with regards to actually developing a cancer.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have just recently had my first mammogram, it was really a bad experience, the lady who did the mammogram made my left brest bleed. I was already scared, because as my mother had a biopsy and the cancer was removed sucessfully. I know got a certified letter in the mail saying that based on the images obtained that further evaluation is recommended. They want to do an ultrasound, because of some dark shadows that they couldn't tell what they were. Do I need to be as worried as I am? I am 50 years old and have not been so worried. Am I being silly, or do you think I have a reason to be worried?

Answer
Honestly I can not know! To be able to answer I would need to have ESP ability which I do not have - and in my opinion no one has! I do recommend that this ultrasound scan is done and if things are still unclear that 1. a breast MRI scan is done and 2. a stereotactic needle biopsy is done of the lesion seen in order to KNOW what it is!