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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – DANVILLE, PA-October 6, 2014 – Last year, award-winning actress Angelina Jolie made the surprising announcement that she had both breasts removed to reduce her risk of getting cancer. That decision brought a lot of attention to the controversial concept of preventative mastectomies. Geisinger Health System, a leading integrated health services organization respected for its development of innovative care models, explains what women should consider when deciding if a preventative mastectomy is right for them.
“All women are at risk of getting breast cancer simply by virtue of being female and advancing in age. But there are some factors that significantly increase your risk,” explained Dr. Victor Vogel, Director of Geisinger Health System Cancer Institute.
Experts state that in recent years the rate of women having preventative mastectomies has increased by an estimated 50 percent. But many women are opting to have the procedure without carefully considering all the factors. Jolie carries the BRCA1 gene, which is a gene mutation that increases your risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Jolie’s risk of developing breast cancer was 87 percent and she has a family history of breast cancer – her mother died from the disease at the age of 56. The team at Geisinger Health System suggests that women need to assess their individual risk in developing breast cancer.
“If you are at high risk of developing breast cancer and are exploring ways to reduce that risk, you may consider this procedure. But know that the surgery is a serious choice that can have a huge impact on your life,” said Dr. Vogel.
There are several factors that must be considered when contemplating a preventative mastectomy. They include:
- A personal history with breast cancer. If you have already had breast cancer in one breast, you are more likely to develop a new cancer in the opposite breast than someone who has never had it.
- A family history of breast cancer. If you have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer, especially is she was diagnosed before the age of 50, you may be at an increased risk of developing the disease.
- A positive test for gene mutations. “Genetic testing can identify if you have mutations in genes that increase the risk of breast and other cancers. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes known to increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers,” said Dr. Vogel.
- Whether you’ve had radiation therapy. Having radiation therapy to your chest before the age of 30 increases the risk of breast cancer throughout your life.
- Whether you’ve experienced changes in your breasts. If your doctor has found abnormal cells in the milk-producing glands, called lobules, in your breast.
- You have dense breasts or widely spread breast microcalcifications. Dense breast tissue is associated with breast cancer and it makes it more difficult for doctors to diagnose breast abnormalities and breast cancer. Sometimes this requires doctors to take a breast tissue sample to study it under a microscope (biopsy).
About Dr. Victor Vogel
Victor G. Vogel, MD, MHS Director of Geisinger Health System Cancer Institute, is an internationally renowned breast oncologist, accomplished educator and researcher. Board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Preventative Medicine, Dr. Vogel is a leader in the fields of breast oncology, pioneering research and clinical trials aimed at providing patients with the most modern therapies and best clinicians, nurses and equipment possible to promote a positive and proactive approach to cancer treatment.
Dr. Vogel is a graduate of Temple University Medical School and received his Master of Health Science degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Baltimore City Hospitals, his Medical Oncology Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center and his Clinical Epidemiology Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University
About Geisinger
Geisinger Health System is an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record, and the development of innovative care models such as ProvenHealth Navigator® and ProvenCare®. As the nation’s largest rural health services organization, Geisinger serves more than 2.6 million residents throughout 44 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. The physician-led system is comprised of more than 20,800 employees, including a 1,000-member multi-specialty group practice, seven hospital campuses, two research centers and a 448,000-member health plan, all of which leverage an estimated $6.1 billion positive impact on the Pennsylvania economy. The health system and the health plan have repeatedly garnered national accolades for integration, quality and service. In addition to fulfilling its patient care mission, Geisinger has a long-standing commitment to medical education, research and community service. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org, or follow the latest Geisinger news and more on Twitter and Facebook.
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