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Familial breast cancer: classification, care and managing breast cancer and related risks in people with a family history of breast cancer

Clinical guideline [CG164] Published: 25 June 2013 Last updated: 14 November 2023

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  • Information for the public
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  • About this information
  • Familial breast cancer
  • Your care team
  • Risk factors for breast cancer
  • How breast cancer risk is described
  • First steps – finding out about your family history
  • Next steps – referral for estimating breast cancer risk
  • Genetic counselling and genetic testing
  • Early detection of breast cancer by surveillance
  • Information and support for women having surveillance
  • Information about treatments to reduce risk
  • Drug treatment to reduce the risk of breast cancer
  • Surgery to reduce the risk of breast cancer
  • Surgery to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer
  • Information about risk of familial breast cancer
  • Being 'breast aware'
  • Questions to ask about familial breast cancer
  • Sources of advice and support
  • Other NICE guidance
  • Update information
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Being 'breast aware'

Being 'breast aware'

Whether you are at increased risk of breast cancer or not, your GP should advise you to be 'breast aware'. This means:

  • knowing what is normal for you

  • looking at and feeling your breasts

  • knowing what changes to look for

  • reporting any changes without delay

  • attending routine breast screening depending on your age.

Your GP should also advise you how you might reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

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