It’s a common assumption that the genetic risks of breast cancer, in particular, are passed from mother to daughter, or mother to son. But a father can also pass the genetic traits on to his daughter or son. To truly understand if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer that may affect you, you’ll want to look at your complete family history, including your father’s side of the family.
Read more on What Is Actually Considered “Family History” Or “High Risk” Of Breast Cancer?…
BRCA cancer risks, breast cancer risks, HBOC
It’s a proven fact that the earlier breast cancer is detected the more successful treatment often is. For that reason, awareness campaigns that urge women to do at-home self-exams are a great resource for educating women on how to check for any lumps in their breasts. However, a formal breast self-examination is not necessary. Just paying attention to your breasts when showering is usually good enough.
One of our beloved patients was recently featured in the Citizen Tribune about her experience with DCIS breast cancer. The information in this blog post was gathered from that article:
Whitney Danehy McGowen was 33 years old when she went for a regular checkup with her obstetrician in the late fall of 2017. She mentioned a slight change in her left breast and her obstetrician, while not overly concerned, suggested it was a good reason to get a baseline mammogram since she had a family history of breast cancer.
Read more on Why One Young Mother Choose A Double Mastectomy After DCIS Diagnosis …
BRCA gene, breast cancer genetic testing, DCIS, Knoxville breast cancer surgeon
Hands down and without a doubt, mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early. Mammograms save lives, and so it’s crucial for every woman to know when she should be having them, and how frequently.
Read more on Clearing Up Confusion Over Recent Mammography Guidelines…
breast cancer treatment Knoxville, Mammogram guidelines
Our Director of Clinical Genetics Service, Imelda G. Margulies, FNP (who is also my beloved wife of 22 years), was featured on WBIR’s Buddy Check 10 series recently. She explained what genetic testing is, how it’s done, and why it’s important.
Read more on Knowledge Is Power When It Comes To Genetic Testing: WBIR Segment…
BRCA gene, Genetic testing and breast cancer
Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening. Understandably, you may feel that you don’t know where to start on this journey that you didn’t ask to take. The first step is to begin gathering information about your type of breast cancer and what the treatment options are, including surgery. Breast cancer surgery has evolved in some fantastic ways over recent years, so you most likely have more options to consider than you realize.
Read more on Essential Questions To Ask About Your Breast Cancer Surgery…
Breast cancer surgery, Hidden Scar surgery
A breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming and frightening, understandably prompting a swirl of emotions and a long list of questions. The worry and uncertainty is real for both the person who has been diagnosed and the family members who love her (or him, see Men Get Breast Cancer Too).
Read more on How To Talk To Your Kids About Breast Cancer…
Breast Cancer Diagnosis, helping kids understand breast cancerYou’ve most likely seen the ads on TV for home-kits like 23andMe that can tell you about your ancestry through saliva testing. 23andMe is now offering the ability to give you FDA approved health reports as well, and people are curious if these reports can determine if they carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Read more on Concerns About Genetic Testing Kits For Detecting Breast Cancer Genes…
Breast Cancer Genes, Detecting Breast Cancer Genes, Genetic testing, Genetic Testing Kits
The last week of September is National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Week, and October 3rd is National Previvor Day. These are both important events to raise awareness about hereditary cancer and the importance of BRCA gene testing. Millions of people carry an inherited BRCA gene mutation or have a family history of cancer, but many remain unaware of their risk. National HBOC Week and Previvor Day aim to change that.
Read more on Why You Need To Know About HBOC Week and Previvor Day…
breast cancer risk factors, Genetic testing, genetics and ovarian cancer
I know first-hand what it’s like when a family goes through a diagnosis of breast cancer. My beloved aunt, Laura Margulies, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October, 2011, after a routine mammogram detected a tumor in her left breast.
Read more on Story Of Hope: Aunt Laura Is Thriving 7 Years After Diagnosis…
BRCA, Breast Cancer Diagnosis, exercise and breast cancer