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www.FredParent.NET • 19 Sponsored Material Join us Oct 13 for the live conversation on Do you have questions for Courtney Miller WHNP, BC, and Elite Women's Health? Join us during our live chat, "Ask The Expert," on October 13 at 8 pm on our Facebook page. facebook.com/FredericksburgParent a sk t h e e x p e rt Second, know your family history! Talk with the women in your family if there's a family history of breast cancer. Learn which type is was and how old that person was at diagnosis. This is helpful information for all women to know. If you have a strong family history, patients may qualify for genetic testing. Talking with women in your life is so helpful! Lastly, don't put off getting your yearly mammo- grams! The American Cancer Society (ACS) still recommends yearly mammograms for women starting at the age of 40. Screening mammograms provide early detection of breast cancer and save thousands of lives each year. Q: At what age should women start doing self breast exams? I recommend women start checking their breasts around the age of 20. Checking your breasts will allow you know what's normal for you, which will also help to you know what's "not normal" if you find a lump. If you feel any changes in your breasts, such as a lump or dis- charge, you should call your OB/GYN provider for further information and exam. Q: If I find a lump in my breast, what is the first thing I should do? First, don't panic! Most breast lumps are not actually cancer related. There are several benign conditions of the breast that also affect a high percentage of women. Stay calm and call your OB/GYN provider to get in for an appointment and exam. Q: What is BRCA testing? Why is it important to be tested? BRCA testing is a genetic test that tests for specific mutations in genes that help control normal cell growth. Finding changes in these genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2, can help determine your chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer. This test is only performed for people with a strong fam- ily history of breast or ovarian cancer, and sometimes for those who already have one of these diseases. A woman's risk of breast and ovarian cancer is higher if she has BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes. Both men and women with BRCA mutations may be at an increased risk for other cancers, so it's important to know your family history and be screened if appropriate. For more information on non-invasive procedures, including BRCA testing, please see us at Elite Women's Health by calling for an appointment at 540-940-2000. Graphic from komencolumbus.wordpress.com