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What is a BRCA Test and Do I Need One?

December 6, 2013 by

What is a BRCA Test and Why Do I Need One

According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, “In the general population, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is approximately 12% and the lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is about 1.4%. The risks increase with age.”

So how can you tell if you are at risk for breast cancer? One way is through a BRCA test.

What is a BRCA test?

There are a variety of BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 mutations present in individuals around the world, and a BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 test is used to detect various mutations in the genes. Some of these mutations are seen in individuals who have a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. If you have a relative who has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, you would be a good candidate to receive a BRCA test to determine if you carry the same gene mutation. However, a BRCA test is not recommended for the general public. It is only recommended for individuals who have a close relative(s) that has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, especially before the age of 50.

It’s important to note that there are options for individuals who receive a positive result on their BRCA test and there are ways to help prevent the onset of breast or ovarian cancer. Just because someone receives a positive result on their BRCA test, doesn’t mean they will definitely develop breast or ovarian cancer. The positive result means that they are at higher risk of developing these cancers.

It’s also important to note that if an individual receives a negative result from the BRCA test, this doesn’t completely rule out the development of breast or ovarian cancer in the individual for the future. This is because the BRCA test can only detect if a person has a hereditary breast cancer or ovarian gene mutation.

If you have more questions about breast cancer and testing for breast cancer, don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , , ,

Winter Fun in Charleston!

December 4, 2013 by

We’re blessed to have good weather all year here in Charleston, and while we might not have the snow that other places get, we still have plenty of winter fun! Here are a few events we thought you’d like. You can also go to the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website to find out more about events that might interest you.

Farmer’s Markets

Unlike most places, the Charleston area has two farmer’s markets during the first part of winter.

Folly Beach: Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 43 Center Street, through December 18.

Charleston: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at King & Calhoun Streets, through December 21.

Toast of Charleston

Listen to live music from local talent, such as Blake Zahnd and Kevin Church, every Friday and Saturday night through the end of February at the Toast of Charleston. Music begins at 8 p.m. at 145 Meeting Street.

Acoustic Sunset Oyster Roast

On Fridays through February, The Wreckfish hosts the weekly Acoustic Sunset Oyster Roast Series from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come to 7690 Northwoods Blvd for oysters and drink specials to kick off your weekend.

Second Sunday on King Street

King Street is one of the best shopping spots in America, and on the second Sunday afternoon of every month, it becomes a fun festival with live music, food, and incredible shopping.

A range of performances for every taste

The North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center hosts artists ranging from locals to nationally known musicians.

This winter, the music lineup includes:

  • Darius Rucker
  • John Mayer
  • Gabriel Iglesias
  • Tedeschi Trucks Band
  • Barry Manilow
  • Johnny Mathis
  • Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell
  • Merle Haggard
  • Arlo Guthrie

Sporting events include:

  • South Carolina Stingrays hockey

Other performances and events include:

  • Moscow Ballet
  • TV’s Mythbusters
  • Monster Jam
  • The Addams Family
  • Endless Love
  • Southern Bridal Show

Which winter events do you enjoy?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: ,

5 Tips to Stay Flu Free

December 2, 2013 by

How to Stay Flu Free This Winter

This time of year can be a difficult one if you’re trying to stay healthy and avoid the flu. It seems like everyone is sick and the germs are all around you. Keeping the flu away may not always be possible, but here are a few ways you can protect yourself.

Wash your hands properly.

The best way to avoid colds and flu is to practice effective hand hygiene. Here’s how:

  1. Use warm water, not hot, and wet hands thoroughly.
  2. Apply plenty of soap (does NOT have to be antibacterial), and work up a lather for 20 seconds. The friction is what really kills the germs. Count slowly to 20, or sing your favorite childhood song two or three times. Rub your hands together briskly, and make sure you wash everything from wrists to fingertips. Don’t forget knuckles, cuticles, and under fingernails.
  3. When you rinse, make sure you keep your hands below your elbows. Don’t touch the sink or the faucet.
  4. Leave the water running, and use at least two clean paper towels to dry your hands.
  5. Grab another dry paper towel and turn off the faucets. Use whatever you can to open the door… your elbow, another towel, or the bottom of your shirt. The bathroom door is typically teeming with germs.

Always wash your hands when you get home from being out in public, especially after shopping.

Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize… and don’t touch your face!

Carry alcohol-based sanitizer with you for those times you can’t wash your hands or you’re handing things others touch (such as shopping carts). Follow the directions on the sanitizer. Again, friction is your friend when it comes to hand hygiene.

The easiest way to transmit the flu or cold is to touch your face. Keep hands away!

Get plenty of sleep.

Don’t allow yourself to run down. Sleeping is your body’s way of recharging, and that recharge includes your immune system. Know how much sleep you need to be healthy—for most adults, it’s at least 7 hours a night.

Eat right.

Part of keeping your immune system healthy is feeding it properly. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and make sure you’re eating enough healthy fats and protein. Keep sugar and starches to a minimum, and drink plenty of water.

Avoid people who are sick.

If you don’t need to be around sick people, don’t do it. It’s difficult to keep the flu away if you’re spending several hours with someone who has it. Ask coworkers to keep their distance and cough into their sleeves.

The key to avoiding the flu is to constantly be vigilant and observant.

What tricks do you use to prevent flu?

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , ,
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