Olivia Munn shared on Instagram
that she received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2023.
Dr. Rohit Rao, a breast cancer
expert at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, indicated that Munn's
diagnosis was luminal B breast cancer, a molecular subtype constituting 15% to
20% of all cases.
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| PHILLIP FARAONE/VF24 VIA GETTY IMAGES - Luminal B breast cancer tends to be more aggressive and often presents at later stages |
Rao highlighted its aggressiveness and rapid growth rate, often leading to later-stage detection with larger tumor size or lymph node involvement. He further elaborated on the signs, risk factors, and preventive measures for this type of breast cancer.
The signs of luminal B breast
cancer are the same as other kinds of breast cancer
Dr. Rao emphasized that the
symptoms of luminal B breast cancer are similar to those of other types,
without significant variations.
However, due to its faster growth,
it's crucial to remain vigilant for any warning signs, he stressed. Warning
signs encompass nipple alterations, new breast masses, nipple bleeding, and armpit
masses, as Rao outlined.
Additionally, breast pain, changes in breast size, and skin dimpling are highlighted as red flags by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Who is at risk of luminal B breast
cancer?
Luminal B breast cancer is more prevalent among individuals under 50,
particularly noted Rao. (It's pertinent to mention that Munn was 42 at the time
of diagnosis.)
Moreover, individuals with a family
history of breast cancer face an elevated risk. Nonetheless, Rao emphasized
that other risk factors exist, even in the absence of a familial history.
According to Rao, individuals with
dense breasts, those having their first child after 30, nulliparous
individuals, those experiencing menopause later in life (typically after 55),
and those with early-onset menstruation (generally before 12) are at higher
risk.
"All these factors could potentially categorize them as high-risk individuals, even without a family history," Rao explained.
It’s important to know your breast
cancer risk score
Despite testing negative for all
cancer genes, including the BRCA mutation associated with higher risks of
breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer, Munn shared on Instagram that her
doctor advised completing a breast cancer risk assessment.
This assessment, as explained by
Rao, helps physicians gauge and comprehend an individual's lifetime risk of
developing breast cancer. It considers factors such as family and pregnancy
history, gene mutations, and others to calculate a lifetime risk score.
"Based on the cumulative impact of these factors, we determine the patient's lifetime risk... typically, a lifetime risk exceeding 20% is deemed high," Rao explained. Munn's lifetime risk was 37%.
"For individuals with a score exceeding 20%, doctors often recommend
supplemental MRIs in addition to mammograms," Rao noted. Additionally,
for individuals under 40, the age at which breast cancer screenings commence
would be lowered.
Rao also mentioned the
consideration of risk-reducing medications.
"I just encourage everyone to talk to their gynecologist or physician
and ask for a detailed breast cancer risk assessment through available tools,"
Rao stated.
"Even without a strong family history, I believe everyone should discuss
the detailed assessment with their OBGYN," he added.
Following the guidelines recommended by your doctor based on your risk assessment score and monitoring for any breast cancer warning signs mentioned earlier are crucial.
Early detection can lead to
effective treatment and potentially cure many patients, according to Rao.
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