- By Eve Mart
- Posted August 30, 2016
Metastatic Breast Cancer – a Lack of Awareness and the Hurt it Causes
During the past 30 years, there has been a cultural shift in breast cancer advocacy and awareness activities. An abundance of education efforts, as well as information and news coverage, have made breast cancer a familiar disease. There have also been significant strides made in early detection, research, treatment and patient empowerment during…
- By Kelly Fulk
- Posted August 25, 2016
What are the Odds of Having a Gene Mutation?
We all know that cancer is, unfortunately, a very common disease. You may have also noticed that certain types, like breast or colon cancer, are more common in some families than others. Some of this family clustering is caused by various hereditary cancer syndromes that are caused by gene mutations that can be found with genetic testing. We know…
- By Eve Mart
- Posted August 18, 2016
Putting Yourself First
When it comes to putting yourself first, I’d say to anyone else, ‘DO IT!’ particularly to someone who’s been through treatment for breast cancer, which is the equivalent of being put through hell and back. Truth be told, I need to practice more of what I preach. I often overextend myself on projects or requests made by others, and it’s…
- By Bill Rotter
- Posted August 16, 2016
Attending Breast Cancer Symposiums, Conferences and Research and Advocacy Seminars will Help Keep You in the Forefront Of Your Cancer
Soon after completing all of my treatment for male breast cancer I knew I was determined to stay on top of my cancer going forward. I know there are many advancements in finding cures for all types of cancers and I am committed to learning everything possible about my cancer diagnosis. Whether it happens to be in the area of new drugs or vaccines…
- By Aaron Schmidt
- Posted August 11, 2016
How Can You Use Social Media
Today, thanks to hectic work schedules and other increasing demands on everyone’s time, we are turning to social media for human interaction outside of the workplace. In turn, social media has become an important place for many to find others they can bond with over shared interests and experiences. As blogger Eve Mart pointed out earlier this…
- By Eve Mart
- Posted August 9, 2016
Why Social Media Is Important For People With Breast Cancer
I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t read many blogs or follow people’s cancer experiences on social media, but I do see the value in them. Networks built around cancer – whether through Facebook, Twitter, blogs or hosted communities – have a particularly active presence in healthcare social media. During the past few years, through Facebook,…
- By Michelle Jackson
- Posted August 4, 2016
And Now, A Little Something For the Men Facing Hereditary Cancer
As a female genetic counselor, I can say I have counseled many men regarding their risk for hereditary cancer. I have seen the different reactions and responses they have had. I have looked for different information (from what I provided to females) to give to them, if it will help. I cannot say I have any idea what it is like to be a man going…
- By Tara Namey, MS, LCGC
- Posted July 28, 2016
What to Expect Regarding Your Health Care Following the Identification of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Gene Mutation
When you learn that you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, there are naturally questions as to what this will mean for your ongoing medical care and what you will need to do differently. The initial conversation with your healthcare provider will likely include a discussion about the options available to more carefully screen…
- By Bill Rotter
- Posted July 28, 2016
Ways The Ambry Genetics HBOC Patient Website Would Have Been Helpful After My Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Genetic Testing
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2013, and soon after learned I had inherited a gene mutation that was passed on from my father’s side of my family. This overwhelming news was cause for great concern as much of what I had just learned was a lot to absorb. I was the first in my family to be tested for BRCA1/2 gene mutations…
- By Bill Rotter
- Posted July 25, 2016
Emotional Impact and Reactions to Diagnosis and Treatment
My diagnosis of breast cancer was extremely difficult to accept especially as a male with what typically affects women in 99% of all breast cancer cases. Where did this come from? Why me, having no known male breast cancer in my family? This shocking diagnosis left me with way too many questions in a world where I had so little knowledge. Having…