Last week I learned of a new way of screening for breast cancer. Previously the most well-known form of genetic testing was the BRCA 1 and 2. However, only 10% of women with breast cancer are BRAC positive. This leaves a 90% gap that we are trying unsuccessfully to catch through mammography. Now, a truly new approach has entered the scene that guides medical providers in choosing their treatment options more effectively. It's "personalized medicine" - and it's made possible by the ability medical researchers have to look at the genes within the DNA of an individual patient's cancer cells. One of the biggest breakthroughs in medical science was the ability to sequence the genes within the DNA of human cells in order to identify gene alterations, such as mutations. This is important, because gene alterations are what cause cells to grow out of control - the condition we know as cancer. Below is a blurb about a new test I am personally trying for myself and am impressed with the study findings surrounding it. This company is partnering with local cancer care alliances and Bras Thermography to do testing on local PNW women.

Announcing genetic testing for non-hereditary breast cancer:

BREVAGen is comprised of 2 components: Clinical Risk and Genetic Markers.  The 7 genetic markers have been identified from over 266,000 SNP's (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in Genome Wide Association Studies, involving more than 50,000 women. BREVAGen provides clinicians with a 5-year and Lifetime Predictive Risk Assessment forNon-Hereditary Breast Cancer, independent of family history.

BREVAGen is reimbursed by commercial insurance, and if insurance denies payment or a patient does not have insurance the most out of pocket you will be charged is $250. Results are received within 2 weeks, easy to understand and testing requires only a simple cheek swab.

BREVAGen Patient Profile:

* Women over age 35

* 73% of patients had ER+ tumor

* 82% of patients had one or no previous Breast Biopsy

* 75% of patients had no First Degree Relative with Breast Cancer

The emphasis if risk evaluation is high on your test results, is the reduction of inflammation. In other words, doing just what Fern Life Center does with its unique blend of Ayurveda and Functional medicine to personalize care to you and your own unique body's needs.

Here's to your health!

Dr. Keesha