Tag:

Breast MRI

Should I Get Genetic Testing For Breast Cancer? Should I Get Genetic Testing For Breast Cancer?
Should I Get Genetic Testing For Breast Cancer? Dear Doctor, My mom and grandmother both had breast cancer. I’m assuming it’s genetic, but I’ve never gotten the test to confirm. Should I get tested—and how can I reduce the risk of getting it myself? Sincerely, “Concerned and Curious” Dear Concerned: I understand why you’re worried. Anywhere from about 5% to 10% of all breast cancer cases are hereditary—meaning they’re caused by a gene mutation passed on from a parent. The most common of these are mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which cause about half of all hereditary cases. If there is a family history of breast cancer at an …
My Annual Mammogram Was Postponed Because Of The COVID Pandemic; Is It Safe For Me To Wait? My Annual Mammogram Was Postponed Because Of The COVID Pandemic; Is It Safe For Me To Wait?
My Annual Mammogram Was Postponed Because Of The COVID Pandemic; Is It Safe For Me To Wait? Dear Doctor, It’s time for my yearly mammogram. But the imaging center called to say they’re only performing “essential” examinations during the COVID pandemic. I’ll admit it, I usually dread coming in for my mammogram, but now I’m worried about waiting. How do I know if my examination is essential, or if it’s safer to wait until this crisis has passed? Sincerely, “Missing the Squishing” Dear Squishing: These are stressful times. On top of worrying about how the COVID-19 virus could impact their health and the health of their loved ones, many people are also worried about all t…