Editor’s Note: We are re-posting this entry by Tameron Harvell, a registered nurse practitioner, to raise the profile of “survivor’s guilt” – an issue that can be particularly challenging during the holidays. You’ve just received your cancer genetic testing results and no mutation was found! What a relief to know…
I am, appropriately, finishing this post on Family Health History Day (the fourth Thursday in November, formerly known as Thanksgiving in the U.S.). The holidays are traditionally a time to get together with family, and what better time to focus on the importance of the health history? In this spirit, I thought we could focus on how a discussion…
Editor's Note: This is a continuation of Cynthia's initial experience of being diagnosed with hereditary ovarian cancer in 2012, which she began to tell us in her post from September 29, 2016. With an October diagnosis, the holiday season was going to be a new experience for our family of five. Although difficult in many ways, cancer…
Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., and many of you will be spending a lot of time with your family – this is a stellar time to discuss collecting your family’s medical history. Multiple generations are usually present at holiday gatherings and the elders can be great sources of information about your family’s medical history. Recognizing…
Editor’s Note: We are re-posting this entry by Emily Dalton, a certified genetic counselor, as National Family History Day approaches next week. Check back here to get tips from a patient advocate about collecting your family’s medical history. We’ve all heard that genetics plays a big role in the development of cancer, including…
“Superhero.” Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Flattering, obviously. As someone who has survived multiple cancers, still plays and coaches soccer, had his colonoscopy footage used on national television, and does a lot of public work, I’ve been given a few titles. One of them is superhero. Thanks. But I worry that people, especially others…
Editor’s Note: In honor of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, we are re-posting Eve Mart's piece on metastatic breast cancer to share her perspective as a patient advocate. Please share to help spread awareness. During the past 30 years, there has been a cultural shift in breast cancer advocacy and awareness activities. An abundance…
Editor’s Note: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we asked a Physician Assistant with years of experience in the field to tell us about a little-known form of breast cancer from the healthcare provider’s perspective. Next week’s post will focus on this issue from the patient advocate’s side of things. Please share to help spread…
We’ve covered a lot of territory with this blog, so thank you for coming on the ride with us. Theresa Smith talked about her experience of sharing her genetic test results with her family, and we offered a genetic counselor’s perspective on the same idea. This time, we’re focusing more on you – we’re exploring the idea of building a support…
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…