Breast Cancer Treatment Surgeon Knoxville, TN - Dr. Aaron Margulies  FACS
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • Linkedin
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Rss
Passionate. Committed. Your Captain.
  • Home
  • About
    • About Dr. Aaron G. Margulies
    • About Director of Clinical Genetics Services: Imelda G. Margulies MSN, FNP-BC
  • Schedule Appointment
    • Download and Print Patient Forms
      • Dr. Aaron Margulies
        • Breast Care Consultations
        • General Surgery Consultations
      • Imelda Margulies
        • Genetic Counseling and High Risk In Office Consultations
        • Genetic Counseling and High Risk Telehealth Consultations
  • Leave Review
    • Contact
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Portal
    • Cancer Risk Quiz
    • Dr. Margulies Explains Cancer
    • 5 Questions to ask the Radiologist About Breast Cancer Checklist
    • Hidden Scar Surgery
  • Patient Forms
    • Dr. Aaron Margulies
      • Breast Care Consultations
      • General Surgery Consultations
    • Imelda Margulies
      • Genetic Counseling and High Risk Genetic Counseling and High Risk In Office Consultations Consultations
      • Genetic Counseling and High Risk Telehealth Consultations
  • Cancer Risk Quiz
Search the site...
Home» Breast Cancer Diagnosis » Why You Need To Know About HBOC Week and Previvor Day

Why You Need To Know About HBOC Week and Previvor Day

Posted by Dr. Aaron G. Margulies - September 24, 2018 - Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Breast Cancer Research
0

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.

I also aim to change that by raising awareness of genetic cancers and promoting the benefits of genetic testing. My practice is the only practice in East Tennessee that has offered consistent testing for HBOC and many other genetic cancer syndromes. Imelda Margulies, our genetics specialist, has been a community leader for over ten years, educating the medical community and the public on the benefits of cancer genetic testing.

What Genetic Testing Can Reveal

The BRCA (Breast Cancer) genes normally suppress the development of tumors to prevent cancer from developing. However, mutations in one of two genes—BRCA1 or BRCA2— are associated with most inherited cases of breast and ovarian cancer. It’s estimated that a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation increases a woman’s risk by:

  • 50% to 85% for developing breast cancer
  • 15% to 60% for developing ovarian cancer

If someone has a history of breast or ovarian cancer in their family, they can be tested for BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. If they test positive for BRCA mutations they can then decide to take preventative measures to decrease their risk of developing cancer.

Angelina Jolie is a famous example of someone who had a strong family history of both ovarian and breast cancer. After she tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation she elected to have a double mastectomy and had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.

Men aren’t exempt from the need for BRCA awareness, either. Men can also carry BRCA mutations, which significantly increases their risk of developing breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer. Both men and women have a 50% chance of passing the BRCA genetic mutation to their sons and daughters.

Unfortunately, many men and women need BRCA testing but don’t realize it, or their physicians fail to recommend it.

Guidelines Need Overhaul

Researchers have recently reported that current genetic testing guidelines are nearly 20 years old and exclude many patients who would benefit from BRCA testing.

According to two studies comparing populations of people who did and did not meet guideline criteria for genetic testing, outdated genetic testing guidelines exclude almost half of high risk patients.

One study found that patients had a similar number of pathogenic mutations related to breast or other cancers, whether they met the testing guidelines or not. In a second study, Medicare patients who did not meet guideline requirements for BRCA1/2 testing also had similar rates of testing positive for the genetic mutations as those who qualified.

Another study showed that only 8% of disabled or older women in the Southeastern U.S. on Medicare who had been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, and had met the criteria for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation testing, actually had BRCA testing done. Whether this was by choice or because their physicians failed to recommend the testing is unclear.

Should You Have BRCA Testing?

I recommend BRCA testing if:

  • You have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, particularly family members were younger than 50 when diagnosed.
  • Family members have been diagnosed with cancer in both breasts.
  • Male family members have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • There is a family history of breast cancer and male relatives on one side of the family have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at a young age.
  • There is a family history of breast cancer and relatives on one side of the family have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers, such as pancreas, gallbladder, or stomach cancer.

HBOC Week marks the transition between National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and recognizes anyone affected by hereditary breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and related cancers. This includes women and men with BRCA mutations, people with a family history of cancer, breast and ovarian cancer survivors and previvors, and individuals who carry a strong predisposition to cancer but have not developed the disease.

To learn more about HBOC and Previvor Day, and how you can help loved ones who are at risk of developing hereditary cancers, visit FacingYourRisk.org.

If you’d like to discuss your risk for hereditary cancer or BRCA testing, consult with Dr. Aaron Margulies. Committed to serving breast cancer patients through his solo practice in Breast Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Dr. Margulies has offices at Tennova Turkey Creek Medical Center in West Knoxville, at Tennova North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell, at Jefferson Memorial Hospital, and in Newport. His extensive research and expertise have distinguished him as a leader in the field. To learn more about Dr. Margulies’ compassionate surgical care approach visit www.aaronmd.com or call (865) 692-1610.

 

  • Share
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Print
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
breast cancer risk factors, Genetic testing, genetics and ovarian cancer

Dr. Margulies practices sees patients in West Knoxville at Turkey Creek Medical Center, in Powell just off of Emory Road​ adjacent to North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell, at Jefferson Memorial Hospital and Newport Medical Center.

Dr. Margulies performs surgeries at Tennova’s Turkey Creek Medical Center and North Knoxville Medical Center, at Jefferson Memorial Hospital, at Newport Medical Center and at Parkwest Medical Center.

Learn more about Dr. Margulies here.

Hidden Scar Provider

Click here to learn more about Hidden Scar Surgery.

Schedule an Appointment

If you need to request an appointment, please call (865) 692-1610 and ask for Dr. Aaron Margulies.

Connect with Me

  • (865) 692-1610
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Linkedin
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Youtube

Patient Testimonials


“Thank you for your excellent care.”

Samuel

“Thank you for all you’ve done to teach me along this incredible journey.”

Kaitlin
You are a very wonderful doctor, very kind and sweet. I want to thank you for praying for me before I had my surgery. You don’t find many doctors like you that believe in prayer, I believe in prayer. May God bless you.
Heather

“Thank you for your speedy surgery and compassionate care. My family could finally exhale.”

Emily
Thank you for the excellent care I received as a patient under your care. I appreciate the kindness, utmost consideration and prompt treatment. I would definitely spread the word to friends and family.
Jessica

Recent Articles

  • DCIS Treatment – What Are My Options?
  • What Is Actually Considered “Family History” Or “High Risk” Of Breast Cancer?
  • How Accurate Is Genetic Testing, And When Should You Consider It?
  • How Telemedicine Can Help With Breast Cancer Concerns During COVID-19 
  • What You Need To Know About Surgeries During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Search Articles

Topics

  • Breast Cancer Diagnosis
  • Breast Cancer Research
  • Breast Cancer Surgery
  • Breast Cancer Treatment
  • Cancer Survival
  • Genetic testing
  • Knoxville Community
  • Patient Stories

Resources

  • Abercrombie Radiology
  • American Board of Surgery
  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Society of Breast Surgeons
  • Breast 360
  • Breast Cancer Statistics
  • Breast Cancer Terms
  • Breast Connect
  • Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center
  • Mastery of Breast Surgery
  • Society of Surgical Oncology
(c) 2020 Dr. Aaron Margulies - Web Design by Baker Labs
  • Home
  • About
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Leave Review
  • Patient Resources
  • Patient Forms
  • Cancer Risk Quiz
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.