This is an article that strikes close to home. My wife was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer last spring. After her diagnosis several family members talked of other relatives who also died of ovarian cancer. It turned out that the family history was far more impressive than we had any idea about, and testing showed that Kay has a mutation in the BRCA2 gene. Had we known that her paternal grandmother, and at least two other second degree relatives on her father’s side had died of ovarian cancer, she may wall have had BRCA gene mutation testing earlier in life, been screened more agressively, and had a prophylactic oophorectomy at around menopause. At any rate she would have had a better chance of early diagnosis or preventative intervention for breast and ovarian cancer. The article in a journal most of us don’t follow, the Jewish World Review, has an article this month called:
Live longer by talking about health at
family reunions
By Joey Holleman
- As families gather for reunions this summer and fall, they should consider sharing something more important than that macaroni salad recipe.
- It’s important to know your family medical history, and large family gatherings are the best place to gather the details, according to health officials. read more
Whether your family has a family reunion or not, consider being assertive and putting together a comprehensive family medical history to give to your physician at your next physical exam visit.