Richmond -
Breast cancer survivors live with the fear their disease could come back. But what they may not realize is that their diagnosis could put them at higher risk for other forms of cancer.
This Buddy Check 6 report focuses on the link between breast disease and other women's cancers. Ann Parker is in the midst of her second battle with cancer.
The 15 year breast cancer survivor is now fighting ovarian cancer. But Ann got good news from her doctor; a biopsy revealed her breast cancer had not spread, making her prognosis very good.
Ann says if this is a separate cancer and having already beat breast cancer, hopefully her chances of beating this would be greater.
Breast and ovarian cancer are the mostly closely linked of all women's cancers. Ann has no family history of breast cancer.
But if a woman's disease is hereditary, she has a 48% increased risk for ovarian cancer.
VCU Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Cecelia Boardman says the women she looks after for their well women care, if they have a history of breast cancer, she watches them a little more carefully.
Unlike breast cancer, there is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer. For women at high risk, Dr. Boardman recommends an annual pelvic ultrasound and blood test.
Breast cancer patients may experience an increased risk for these diseases as well: lung cancer, a 24% increased risk, uterine cancer, a 52% higher risk, and non- melanoma skin cancer, your risk is 58% higher than women who have not had breast cancer.
Dr. Boardman says women need to make their health a priority and find a doctor who will do the same.
She adds women need to take charge of their healthcare, be an advocate for themselves and if they don't get an answer, keep looking. Ann is on her way to beating ovarian cancer.
Doctor Boardman says a lot of research is going on nationally to find a better screening test for the disease.
CBS 6 is a proud sponsor of this year's Women and Wellness Forum to benefit the Massey Cancer Center February 9th.
The event raises money for research and education on women's cancers.
This Buddy Check 6 report focuses on the link between breast disease and other women's cancers. Ann Parker is in the midst of her second battle with cancer.
The 15 year breast cancer survivor is now fighting ovarian cancer. But Ann got good news from her doctor; a biopsy revealed her breast cancer had not spread, making her prognosis very good.
Ann says if this is a separate cancer and having already beat breast cancer, hopefully her chances of beating this would be greater.
Breast and ovarian cancer are the mostly closely linked of all women's cancers. Ann has no family history of breast cancer.
But if a woman's disease is hereditary, she has a 48% increased risk for ovarian cancer.
VCU Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Cecelia Boardman says the women she looks after for their well women care, if they have a history of breast cancer, she watches them a little more carefully.
Unlike breast cancer, there is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer. For women at high risk, Dr. Boardman recommends an annual pelvic ultrasound and blood test.
Breast cancer patients may experience an increased risk for these diseases as well: lung cancer, a 24% increased risk, uterine cancer, a 52% higher risk, and non- melanoma skin cancer, your risk is 58% higher than women who have not had breast cancer.
Dr. Boardman says women need to make their health a priority and find a doctor who will do the same.
She adds women need to take charge of their healthcare, be an advocate for themselves and if they don't get an answer, keep looking. Ann is on her way to beating ovarian cancer.
Doctor Boardman says a lot of research is going on nationally to find a better screening test for the disease.
CBS 6 is a proud sponsor of this year's Women and Wellness Forum to benefit the Massey Cancer Center February 9th.
The event raises money for research and education on women's cancers.
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