Angela Eschrich, 64, and her daughter, Ashley, 36, have a lot in common. They both have boundless energy, stunning blue eyes, incredible courage and optimism, and — unbeknownst to them until two years ago — a BRCA2 gene mutation that greatly increases their risk of getting cancer.
Breast Cancer
Janice had passed a big milestone in her journey as a breast cancer survivor — the five-year mark — and figured going in for a six-year exam would be no big deal. She didn’t expect to be told the cancer had returned.
What is the best way to get critical medical and health information to those who need it? Reach people where they are.
It is relatively uncommon for younger women — those who have not yet started menopause — to be diagnosed with breast cancer, says Ellis Levine, MD, Chief of Breast Medicine at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
It’s OK to feel the feelings you have, it’s OK to be sad, but don’t dwell on it. Positivity breeds positivity. Attitude is everything.
Everyone – both male and female – has two BRCA genes. Identified as BRCA1 and BRCA2, both are tumor suppressor genes associated with breast cancer. (BRCA is an abbreviation for breast cancer, generally pronounced “bracka.”)
During the course of breast cancer treatment, a woman may decide, after discussion with her doctors, to have both of her breasts removed.
Roswell Park’s Christine Ambrosone, PhD, admits she may not have pursued the most conventional route to becoming a leading breast cancer researcher.
Women all over the world are #DitchingTheDye to embrace their natural hair color, save money and accept the changes that come with aging. Some women may also start ditching the dye as a result of findings published in December, 2019, linking use of hair dyes and chemical hair straighteners to increased breast cancer risk.
The most effective way to find breast cancer in women at the earliest and most treatable stage is through screening mammography. However, mammography is not a perfect technology, and it may miss as many as 10-20% of all breast cancers. So can an MRI be used together with a mammogram for better detection?
Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling times of a woman’s life. Although receiving a cancer diagnosis during this period of time is rare, it can, unfortunately, still happen. It is important for women to remain educated on cancer and how it relates to pregnancy.
Every April, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center works to raise awareness about cancer among minority populations by recognizing National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, celebrated this year April 8-14, 2019.