Dr. Cheryl Jones of Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) recently appeared on WPGA News (Macon’s ABC affiliate) regarding her treatment of a 21-year-old breast cancer patient, Catherine Carswell. In the segment, which aired April 29, Dr. Jones also discussed how genetic testing helped to provide answers to the questions posed about the unusual diagnosis.
“When people know they’re at an increased risk, they can make better personal choices in regard to prevention,” Dr. Jones said.
A simple blood test can reveal whether or not a person has the breast cancer gene (BRCA). Carswell’s grandmother died of ovarian cancer at the age of 41, and because ovarian and breast cancer come from the same genetic mutation, it is likely that she was a carrier of the BRCA gene.
“We now have medicines that can reduce the risk of breast cancer by more than 50 percent for women at an increased risk,” Dr. Jones explained. “Surgery can reduce the risk by more than 90 percent.”
Prevention is key to BRCA carriers, as they have an 80 percent chance of developing cancer during their lifetime.
Carswell, at 21, is the youngest person ever in Georgia history to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Dr. Jones offers comprehensive care at the GCS Macon and Lake Oconee offices.
To view this video click on the following link: http://www.macon.tv/news/local/18378064.html?video=YHI&t=a
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