More breast cancer in younger women.

You may have heard on the news or read in the NYTimes http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/health/advanced-breast-cancer-may-be-rising-among-young-women-study-finds.html?hpw&_r=0 that a recent study found an increase in breast cancers in young women.  This is a small, but important increase since 1976 in women aged 25 to 39 years.  What is even more distressing is the sentiment expressed the 6th paragraph in the NYTimes piece that the researchers in this study say they can't offer young women anything but quick action if they have a lump.

FORTUNATELY, that just isn't correct!  Young women have many options, BEFORE the breast cancer happens.  We do all of these tests.

First, some of these young women will have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer and should consider the genetic test BRACAnalysis.  Although the number of women to whom this test applies is small, it is important to let your doctor know about a family history of these cancers: breast, ovarian, male with breast cancer, relative with triple negative breast cancer, pancreatic, prostate, uterine, colon or other intestinal cancer and melanoma.  Again, most young women with a family history will not have the gene mutation, but about 10% will, so tell your doctor your family history.  You may find more at www.owenwinsettmd.com under "What We Do".

Second, for the larger number of women, particularly with no family history, there is the BREAVAGen Risk Assessment Test.  This test applies to women at 35 years.
It is a cheek swab plus clinical history.  You may find more at http://brevagen.com.

The third test we have to offer that "finds" young women at higher risk is the HALO Breast Pap Test.  This test is for anyone beginning at age 21 years.  Nipple fluid is tested that is obtained from a breast pump.  You may read more at http://www.halohc.com/halonaf/NAF-Collection.aspx.


We do have something to offer younger women before the cancer happens.  WE offer each of these tests.  If your physician does not, then call us at 512-451-5788.

Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!  Tell your friends!

This is general content and not personal medical advice.