Did you know that if you have close relatives who have battled either breast or ovarian cancer, then you could be more at risk of developing those cancers yourself? If your family history points to an increased risk, then you may benefit from genetic counseling and testing. Let's take a closer look at what you can do if either of these cancers runs in your family and how your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, may be able to support you.
Inherited Genetic Mutations
Every year, around 240,000 American women are handed a breast cancer diagnosis. Approximately 18,500 will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Statistics indicate that around 3% of those with breast cancer and 10% with ovarian cancer can be linked to inherited gene mutations passed on through the family. Several inherited mutations can cause breast and ovarian cancers, but the most common are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Breast cancer is most common in women, but men with these mutated genes are also at an increased risk of breast cancer compared to men without inherited mutations. The BRCA mutation can also increase men's risk of pancreatic and prostate cancer. Having knowledge of your family's health history can be a crucial step in preventing and detecting breast, ovarian, and other cancers.
In order to demonstrate how serious the increased risk is, take a look at these key statistics:
- 7 in 100 women in the general US population will get breast cancer by age 70.
- 50 in 100 women with a BRCA mutation will get breast cancer by age 70.
- 1 in 100 women in the general US population will get ovarian cancer by age 70.
- 30 in 100 women with a BRCA mutation will get ovarian cancer by age 70.
What to Do About The Risk
If your doctor feels that your family health history does place you in a high-risk category for breast or ovarian cancer, you may be referred for genetic counseling. During this counseling, you can look closer at the risk factors in your family history and decide if genetic testing is required to identify BRCA1, BRCA2, or other inherited mutations.
Preventative Treatment Options
If you are carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, your next step is to look at preventative treatment options to help reduce the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancers. The most effective option is surgery to remove breasts, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. However, this is a radical and life-altering option, so many women choose to explore other options first. Some of these options include:
- Taking preventative medications supplied on prescription by your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, including tamoxifen and raloxifene, to reduce the risk of these cancers. These are sometimes referred to as a 'chemoprevention,' but they are not chemotherapy drugs.
- Increased annual screening starting at a much younger age using MRI and mammograms to catch cancer in the early stages. Usually, regular screening does not begin until age 40 to 50, but those at a higher risk due to inherited mutations should start as early as possible.
- Increased clinical breast exams from a younger age. Those at a higher risk of breast cancer should have more frequent clinical exams in addition to conducting self-exams at home. Pay attention to how your breasts look and feel, and immediately discuss any changes with your doctor.
- Ovarian cancer screening, including transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood tests to monitor the levels of cancer antigen 125 in the blood.
- Pursuing a healthier lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly. You can consult your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, for advice on both.
- Men with BRCA mutations should also begin clinical breast exams and self-exams from age 35 onwards and may also wish to have an annual mammogram from age 50.
How Can Your Local Pharmacy in Powell, TN, Support You?
While much of the management of breast cancer and ovarian cancer prevention is going to lie with your doctor, your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, is also here to support you through what can be a challenging time. Some of the ways we can do this will include:
- Help With Managing Prescriptions - When you are undergoing genetic counseling or testing, you will have a lot on your plate. The good news is that your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, can manage your prescriptions for you, giving you one less thing to think about. With our VIP Box, we can sort all your medications, including over-the-counter supplements, into easy-to-use packets marked with the date and time you should take them. Just tear off the next packet from the roll, and everything is ready to take! We can even reorder your prescription when the time comes. Managing multiple medications has never been easier or more convenient!
- Offering Supportive Care - Your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, offers much more than just prescriptions! We are also here to provide you with supportive care whenever you need it. If you are experiencing any side effects from preventative treatments, such as nausea or fatigue, your pharmacist can advise on over-the-counter options to alleviate them.
- Lifestyle Guidance - As mentioned above, your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, can also offer advice on achieving a healthier lifestyle in terms of diet, exercise, stopping smoking, and avoiding alcohol.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581