If I decide to have prophylactic mastectomy, what kind of follow-up care will I need?
If you choose not to have reconstruction, you will need to see your doctor a few weeks after the surgery […]
I have young daughters. Is there anything they should be doing at this point?
No matter how young your daughters are, you can start encouraging good habits such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy […]
As a woman who is considered high risk, I assume I need to have more than an annual mammogram if I don’t elect to have surgery. What is recommended for women like me?
Doctors generally recommend close surveillance, which is the use of screening tests in an attempt to find cancer at an […]
I’ve heard that prophylactic mastectomy (surgical removal of the breasts) is the best way for high-risk women to prevent breast cancer, but it seems so drastic. I also know some women have had prophylactic removal of their ovaries. How greatly do these procedures reduce risk?
Studies suggest that prophylactic mastectomy affords the greatest protection against breast cancer, reducing risk by as much as 90 percent. […]
Surgery doesn’t seem like the right answer for me. Is there anything else I can do to lower my risk of breast cancer?
Your doctor may prescribe a medication such as tamoxifen or raloxifene, two selective estrogen response modifiers (SERMs) that block the […]
I don’t want my health insurance company to know I’m at high risk for breast cancer. Is there any way I can keep this confidential?
This is a common concern among individuals who are considering genetic testing. Fortunately, reports of discrimination based on cancer risk […]
How can I find out where to go for genetic counseling and/or testing, and get more information?
First, talk to your doctor to see what programs might be available in your area. You also may find the […]
How is genetic testing done?
The test involves giving a small sample of blood that is tested in a lab for the BRCA mutations. Results […]
I’m not sure I want to know whether or not I have inherited a BRCA mutation. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of going through with genetic counseling and testing?
The main advantage is knowledge. If you know that the breast and/or ovarian cancer in your family is due to […]
If I do have a BRCA mutation, how does my risk for breast cancer compare to that of an average woman? Am I at risk for any other health conditions?
If you have a BRCA mutation, your lifetime risk of breast cancer ranges from 50 to 85 percent, versus 13 […]