- By Georgia Hurst
- Posted November 24, 2016
Collecting Your Family’s Medical History During the Holidays
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…
- By Emily Dalton, MS, CGC
- Posted November 17, 2016
Why Family History Matters in Genetic Diagnosis
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…
- By David Dubin
- Posted November 3, 2016
Just Call Me “Above Average Dave”
“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…
- By Eve Mart
- Posted October 13, 2016
Metastatic Breast Cancer - A Lack of Awareness and The Hurt it Causes
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…
- By Tiana Adams, PA-C, MBA
- Posted October 6, 2016
Metastatic Breast Cancer: More Common Than You Think
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…
- By Deepti Babu, MS, CGC
- Posted August 17, 2016
The Buddy System: It works for Hereditary Cancer, Too
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…
- 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…