Q: My mother suffered from breast cancer. When she was in the initial stage, her right breast was removed and now she is fine. My maternal grandmother too had throat cancer and died as no proper treatment was available. From my father's side no one has suffered from cancer. I want to know the chances of me getting cancer? I am 19 years old and I have 2 married sisters. How can I know my chances of developing cancer? My left breast is smaller than the right one, is this a problem?

A:The incidence of breast cancer is high in relatives if there are two or more than two patients suffering with breast and or ovarian cancer in the family. Since you have only your mother suffering with this disease, your chances of developing breast cancer are the same as in the general population. Still you need to do monthly breast self examination, mammogram at the age of 40 years and regularly thereafter. Difference in the size of the breasts does not appear to be a problem, however, you may have a check done by a doctor.