Breast cancer risk assessment: near population risk

This leaflet is for women with near population risk of breast cancer (following a family history risk assessment). The information has been produced by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and the East Kent Hospitals’ Breast Cancer Nurse Specialists.

If you have any queries, please contact the:

• Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Service
  Telephone: 01227 868666
  Email

What is near population risk of breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a common disease. In the general population about 1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer.

Near population risk means that we estimate your risk of developing breast cancer to be similar to other women in the general population.

Only about 5 to 10% of all breast cancers happen because of an inherited tendency. This is also called a genetic predisposition. Women with near population risk are unlikely to have an inherited tendency to develop breast cancer.

Do women with a near population risk of breast cancer need screening?

Yes. Screening for women with a family history of breast cancer is based on nationally recommended guidelines. These can be found on the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) web site.

We will offer you a mammogram every 3 years from 50 to 70 years of age. This is part of the National Breast Screening Programme. The programme is being extended to invite women in their late 40s and up to 73 years. Women over 70 can ask that breast screening continues every 3 years if they wish.

For more information, please ask a member of staff for a copy of the NHS breast screening: helping you decide leaflet.

You do not need a mammogram more often because:

• breast cancer is easier to see on a mammogram after the menopause;

• if breast cancer does occur, it is likely to grow more slowly in women aged 50 or over; and

• breast tissue in young women can be too ‘dense’ (tightly packed) for a mammogram to be helpful, when there is no increased risk of breast cancer.

We encourage all women to be breast aware. Contact your GP if you notice any changes in your breasts. Please do not wait until your next mammogram.

Can anything alter breast cancer risk?

Yes, the following can alter the risk.

• There is a slightly increased risk of breast cancer whilst a woman is taking the:

  • oral contraceptive pill; and

  • hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

  This risk continues for up to 5 years after either is stopped.

• Alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding lower the risk of breast cancer.

• Being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer for women after the menopause.

• Regular exercise lowers the risk of breast cancer.

• Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and lowering cholesterol helps lower the risk of cancer.

• If anyone else in your family develops cancer, particularly breast or ovarian cancer, this could alter your risk. If this happens, please ask for a reassessment of your risk.

Useful contacts

• Breast Cancer Now
  Telephone: 0808 800 6000

• Macmillan Cancer Support
  Telephone: 0808 800 0000

We have used the term ‘women’ throughout this leaflet. When we use this term we also mean people with female reproductive organs who do not identify as a woman. East Kent Hospitals is committed to supporting people of all gender identities. Please tell your doctor or nurse how you would like them to address you, so we can be sure to get this right.

What do you think of this leaflet?

We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.

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If you would rather talk to someone instead of filling in a survey, please call the Patient Voice Team.

• Patient Voice Team
  Telephone: 01227 868605
  Email