Tidings of comfort and joy can take on a different meaning during the holidays as a cancer patient. With so much focus needed to manage your diagnosis and the effects of cancer and treatment, it may be hard or even impossible to maintain some of your family’s beloved holiday traditions. Shail Dalal, M.D., Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center, Srinath Sundararajan, M.D., FACP, Texas Oncology–Katy, Bellville and Sealy, and Bridget O’Brien, D.O., FACS, FSSO, Texas Breast Specialists–Cedar Park and Georgetown share how to talk about the holidays with your children and tips for parenting with cancer this holiday season.

While most cancer happens by chance, about five to ten percent of cases are hereditary. These cases may be passed down to the next generation, causing a higher risk of cancer. Jeni Watson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, at Texas Oncology–Palestine Cancer Center shares how genetic testing for breast cancer can help you take steps toward early detection and prevention.

Other than adopting a healthier lifestyle, early detection with regular mammograms remains the most effective way to combat breast cancer. Learn about the signs and symptoms, as well as the importance of getting screened annually to reduce the risk of a late-state breast cancer diagnosis.