- By Cynthia Rigali Lund
- Posted December 1, 2016
Despite Cancer, Holiday Abundance Awaits
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…
- 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 Theresa Smith
- Posted November 10, 2016
These Are My Genetic Test Results… Please Don’t Shoot the Messenger
Editor’s Note: We are re-posting Theresa Smith’s entry to tie in with National Family History Day on Thanksgiving in two weeks in the U.S. Theresa was kind enough to update her piece on the importance of sharing family history and genetic test results, as challenging as it may be at times. Check back here in two weeks…
- 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 Jacqueline Washle
- Posted October 27, 2016
Surfing for Breast Cancer Awareness
It seems as though breast cancer awareness is all over the media these days. Pink ribbons are exceptionally easy to find, and it is with good reason. About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer. Let that sink in for a minute. That really puts it into perspective! At Ambry Genetics, we are determined to lower that statistic and…
- By Bill Rotter
- Posted October 20, 2016
A Male Breast Cancer Perspective (repost)
Editor’s Note: We are re-posting Bill Rotter’s entry in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It also coincides with an important time in Bill’s home state of Wisconsin; it is Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week from October 16-22, 2016. Bill was kind enough to update his piece to help raise the profile of men with breast cancer.…
- 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 Cynthia Rigali Lund
- Posted September 29, 2016
In The Beginning: My Ovaries Were Talking, but I Wasn't Listening
What a perfect time to begin my story — we are in the middle of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, as well as National HBOC (hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) Week. I love when things line up like it was all meant to be… Things did not line up for me in October of 2012. While preparing funeral arrangements for my dad who…