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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many may be considering genetic testing for breast cancer. Jennifer Hecht, breast surgeon at Texas Breast Specialists–Fort Worth Cancer Center, explains that knowing your family history and personal risk can help your care team determine if genetic testing is appropriate.

Casey Matthews, a 34-year-old wife and mother of four who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer on April 25, 2023, urges young women to notice the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to act quickly if there are abnormalities. Her physician, Anne Doughtie, M.D., surgical oncologist at Texas Oncology Surgical Specialists–Amarillo, further emphasizes the importance of regular self-examinations, genetic testing, and healthy lifestyle choices to reduce breast cancer risk.

What should we look for when getting screened for breast cancer and what should we ask our physician during this visit? Aimee Mackey, M.D., FACS, Texas Breast Specialists-San Marcos and South Austin, joined In Focus Texas (Spectrum News 1, Austin) to answer these questions.

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.

With one in eight women developing breast cancer in her lifetime, early detection with regular mammograms remains the most effective way for women 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.

Each person has a unique set of preferences and concerns related to the physical changes associated with surgery for breast cancer. Allison DiPasquale, M.D., Texas Breast Specialists–Medical City Dallas explains that patients should evaluate which surgical procedures are right for them based on their own priorities and goals and address any questions or concerns with their physician.

Texas Oncology agrees with leading infectious disease experts that all people should be vaccinated against COVID-19, including cancer patients. The COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot reduces individual risk and slows the spread of the virus.

In addition to being a valuable source of information, support groups can help resolve feelings of isolation and loneliness. Stephanie Broussard, MSSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW, director of palliative care and social work at Texas Oncology explains how support groups can make an impactful difference in patients’ lives.