Discussing the Latest in Breast Cancer Research
Left to right: Ophira Ginsburg, MD, MRCPC; Anna Cantor; Jessica Martineau, MS, CGC; Erika Stallings
Taking place during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, the recent VET focused on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Awareness discussing the different backgrounds and methods of detecting and defeating breast cancer.
To better understand how to detect breast cancer, the panel explained the role of a “genetic counselor.” Genetic counselors whoattended the forum from NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, gave participants a brief lesson how genes and/or mutations are passed on through generations. Certain types of populations that are higher risk for mutations include those of Eastern European, Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Further, the counselors explained BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and who should get tested based on several key risk factors, how to get tested (a blood sample) and how to interpret results and next steps.
