More than ever, stories like Olivia Munn’s drive home not only the utmost importance of early screenings and regular checkups but also the role that genetic testing plays in determining treatment based on the type of breast cancer revealed in diagnosis.

Sharing on the risk factors of breast cancer, Dr Ng Char Hong, consultant breast surgeon at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, says family history is a risk factor, though there are cases of breast cancer patients with no family history of cancer.

“Other factors include having your period earlier than 12 years old, or your menopause later than the age of 55,” Ng says. “If you use hormone replacement therapy, the risks of breast cancer are slightly higher. If you have your first child after the age of 30, your risk is also slightly higher.”        

Commenting on Munn’s story, breast and gynaecological oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky reiterated the importance of women knowing their risk of breast cancer. “As a breast oncologist, I feel that it is so important to talk about breast cancer risk assessment and how to empower people to know their risk and get the appropriate screening,” she said.

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According to Munn’s physician, Dr Aliabadi, factors in women like family history of cancer, age and having children after the age of 30 are crucial in assessing risk. Munn’s Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score revealed a lifetime risk of 37 per cent. “Ask your doctor to calculate your Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score,” wrote Munn. “Dr Aliabadi says if that number is greater than 40 per cent, you need annual mammograms and breast MRIs starting at age 30.”

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