Breast Cancer
When Family History Repeats Itself
The women in your family may share the same curly
hair and sense of humor — as well as some of the
same health risks.
One disease that can run in families is breast cancer. Most cases are not inherited. However, having a sister or mother who has had this disease can double a woman’s risk of getting it herself. The risk triples for women with a close relative who was diagnosed before age 50.
In some families, a history of breast cancer is caused by changes in certain genes. For example, two genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 are related to higher risks of breast cancer — as well as ovarian and possibly even colorectal cancer. Breast cancer caused by these genes tends to occur earlier in life and involve both breasts.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, ask your doctor about some of the ways you can protect yourself. For example, you might discuss the pros and cons of getting mammograms before age 40 — the recommended age for most women to start these screening tests. Other tests also may be helpful to determine your risks or to check for early signs of breast cancer. You may also discuss the benefits and risks of taking a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). This type of medicine can reduce the risk for breast cancer in high-risk women.
A healthy lifestyle is important, too. A recent study found that many women with strong family histories of breast cancer often do not make lifestyle changes. Risk-reducing strategies may include exercising, not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting alcohol.
The Power of Pink
One-third of American women will get some form of cancer in their
lifetime. One out of every seven women will be diagnosed with
breast cancer at some point during her life. Early detection is the
best protection.
The Haywood Regional Medical Center Foundation and the Haywood County Health Department are teaming up provide breast cancer screenings for women in need. Please join us on Saturday, Nov. 10, for the Power of Pink, a fundraising and awareness event for breast cancer detection in Haywood County. Your support of this event can help alleviate this shortfall.
One relay team will provide the funding to allow two deserving women to receive mammograms.
There is an event for everyone:
- The Pink Relay: An all-women’s relay covering 20 miles around Haywood County. Each team is allowed up to five members. Transportation is provided to move runners to their start points.
- Real Men Wear Pink 5K: Open to men and women of all ages. Course begins and ends at the HRMC Health & Fitness Center and utilizes Jones Cove Road.
- The Bubble Gum Fun Run: Designed for children, nonathletes, and those who cannot run in the other events. The course is on the hospital property.
HRMC Welcomes Jeffrey Myers, M.D.
Board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics
and Gynecology, Dr. Jeffrey Myers received his medical
degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in
Indianapolis, and completed his residency in obstetrics
and gynecology at MAHEC, Mission St. Joseph’s Health
System, Asheville, NC.
He and his wife and two children recently relocated to the area from Thomasville, GA.
Dr. Myers is in practice at Haywood Women’s Medical
Center and is now accepting appointments. Please
call
“Mammography may not prevent cancer, but
a woman’s survival rate is much improved
if an abnormality is found early on a
mammogram. The mammograms do not
always detect every breast cancer, so if you
find a lump and your mammogram is
negative, you still need further evaluation.”
