Dear Dr Mira, My niece elected to have prophylactic bilat mastec. several
years ago.  Her aunt, mother and grandmother all died from Br CA.  This was
just before the gene test became widely available. 1 case was
premenopausal, 1 was perimeno and the 3rd was post meno.  Another factor is
that my niece was large breasted and always hated them, as long as I can
remember. She did not BF.  The price of the emotional toll was worth the
sacrifice of the breasts to this young woman.  Her 30 yo sister, skinny
with AA breasts, who BF her baby for a year, is currently experiencing
lumpiness, frequent exams and mammos.  She has elected not to have gene
test and does not consider bilat an option. 2 very different personalities
and body types. Interesting to watch.  My mom had post meno br CA, so I
believe in BSE and regular mammo as I am now also post meno.  But I also BF
for a total of 45 mo. and my mom only BF a few weeks. Had my babies early.
But I know my diet is too high fat over my whole lifetime so I have to
consider that a major risk factor. Don't smoke, but live in NJ (Cancer
Alley).  It is all very interesting.  Sincerely, Pat