Dr. Andrew Widener, DHR Health Family Medicine Physician
1000 E. Dove Avenue
McAllen, Texas 78504
To make an appointment, call: (956) 362-3530
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a primary care physician, I routinely discuss screening for cancer and other chronic diseases during annual exams. One question I often hear from patients is what they can do to detect cancer early or reduce their risk of developing it. An important part of that discussion is understanding your family medical history because it can help identify your risk for certain types of cancer.
In the case of breast cancer, most women who develop the disease do not have a family history of it. While having a close relative with breast cancer increases your risk, the absence of a family history does not mean you are protected. Routine mammograms are generally recommended for women at average risk starting at age 40.
Family medical history is important to discuss with your doctor because it can affect which screening tests are recommended and when they should begin. When reviewing a family history of breast cancer, both your mother’s and father’s sides of the family matter.
A family history of breast cancer at a young age, breast cancer in males, or certain other cancers may suggest an increased risk and warrant further evaluation. Depending on your family history and personal risk factors, your physician may also recommend genetic counseling or additional screening tests, such as breast MRI.
It is also important to remember that mammograms are intended to screen for breast cancer in women who do not have symptoms. A new breast lump, nipple discharge, or other concerning breast changes should be evaluated by your physician rather than waiting until your next routine screening appointment.
The same idea applies to other types of cancers and chronic diseases. Screening for colon cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors, and many other conditions is an important part of preventive care that you should address with your primary care physician during your annual check-ups. Knowing which medical conditions run in your family can help your physician make better screening recommendations.
Breast cancer screening should be part of a regular discussion with your doctor. Understanding your family history and staying up to date with recommended screenings can help identify potential health concerns before they become more serious.
About Dr. Andrew Widener
Dr. Andrew J. Widener, a native of Brownsville, is a board-certified family medicine physician serving patients and communities in the Rio Grande Valley. He has extensive experience in primary care, chronic disease management, geriatric care, and care for patients of all ages. Dr. Widener also serves on the DHR Health Family Medicine Residency Program as a core faculty physician, teaching and mentoring resident physicians as they train to become the next generation of family medicine doctors.
