I'm of the firm belief the majority of our ailments are hereditary. I thought I was the first women in our family diagnosed with breast cancer, after I was diagnosed I found out my aunt in her 80ty's was also diagnosed with BC about the same time as me. I then spoke with a cousin who had more to do with other members of our family she told me there were about 4/5 older members who had BC in years passed. Thyroid problems are right through my Mothers side of the family.