MD For Moms Radio, Every Wednesday 1pm (ET) on The BBM Global Network, TuneIn and iHeartRadio or as a podcast on iTunes.
This week on MD for Moms, I’ll be interviewing hematologist/oncologist and cancer genetics specialist Dr. Colleen Yavarow. Most know someone touched by cancer, a word that inspires fear and sadness. Each of the many forms of cancer tends to have a predilection for certain populations: breast cancer frequently, but not always, happens in women; ovarian cancer and prostate cancer by definition occur only in women and only in men, respectfully. There are cancers that often occur in children and others that are seen more in the elderly. Some cancers have a clear environmental cause – small cell lung cancer, for example, is almost always caused by cigarettes. We will explore different forms of cancer and what environmental toxins have firmly been linked to the disease, along with ways to reduce risk.
Another main cause of certain cancers is genetics. There are several known hereditary cancers that increasingly can be tested for in a healthy person to help establish risk. Who should have genetic testing and for which cancers? What should someone who has tested positive for one of these ‘cancer genes’ do with the information?
Angelina Jolie famously had a double mastectomy followed by an oophorectomy to reduce her chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer, respectfully. Her mother died of breast cancer and she carries a BRCA1 gene, putting her at an increased risk for these cancers. While she raised awareness and improved general understanding of the diseases, are these surgeries the right choice for women who may similarly be at an increased risk? Dr. Yavarow will answer these questions and many more on this week’s MD for Moms.
Learn more about my guest, Dr. Colleen Yavarow:
Dr. Yavarow has been practicing in the field of Hematology and Oncology since 2011. Dr. Yavarow has completed specialized training in Clinical Cancer Genetics, most notably though the City of Hope, in Duarte, CA.
Dr. Yavarow performs risk assessment for hereditary cancer syndromes. She manages a high risk clinic and manages those patients who are at high risk for developing cancers. Additionally, she is mom to a 9 year old and a six year old.
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