Know Your Risk: Breast Cancer Biomarkers & Prevention

You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to take action.
Understanding your biomarkers and risk factors can help you catch changes early and guide steps for prevention.

1. Genetic Markers

Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancer.

Ask about a hereditary cancer panel that includes:

  • BRCA1/BRCA2
  • CHEK2, PALB2, ATM
  • TP53, PTEN, CDH1 (less common but high-risk genes)

These genes can increase your lifetime risk of breast cancer to 40–80%.

Testing can also guide screening, lifestyle, or preventive surgery.

2. Blood-Based Biomarkers

These tests help assess your internal environment—like inflammation, hormone balance, and insulin resistance.

Recommended Labs:

  • hs-CRP – Chronic inflammation
  • Vitamin D (25(OH)D) – Aim for 40–60 ng/mL
  • HbA1c & Fasting Insulin – Metabolic health matters!
  • Estradiol, Progesterone, SHBG, Testosterone, DHEA – Track hormone balance
  • IGF-1 – High levels can fuel abnormal cell growth

3. Imaging & Early Detection

  • Annual Mammogram (start at 40 or earlier if high-risk)
  • Breast MRI – For dense breasts or strong family history
  • Thermography (optional adjunct in integrative care)

Don’t forget monthly self-exams and clinical breast exams every 1–3 years.

4. Optional & Advanced

  • Galleri® Test (liquid biopsy for multiple cancers)
  • Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) – For high-risk monitoring
  • Breast density report – Ask for this after your mammogram

5. Personalized Prevention Tips

✅ Balance blood sugar (lower insulin)
✅ Maintain healthy estrogen levels
✅ Get 7–9 hours of sleep
✅ Reduce alcohol (limit to 1 drink/day or less)
✅ Stay physically active (30+ min/day)
✅ Lower chronic inflammation with diet, stress care, and healthy gut support

Let’s Take Charge—Together

Kim Lockheimer, DFM, PhD
Cancer Prevention & Biomarker Consulting
760-500-1700 | ✉️ kim@mitotics.com | www.mitotics.com
✅ Personalized lab reviews
✅ Genetic test interpretation
✅ Prevention-focused coaching

Knowledge is power.
Take the first step in understanding your unique risk and protecting your long-term health.