BRCA: What you need to know

The Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene (BRCA) is responsible for approximately 5% of breast cancer cases in America. Though the overwhelming majority of cases diagnosed are not associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2, the risk is still present.  Before you go to your doctor to request a BRCA genetic test, here a few things to know. 

Cancer is disease resulting from a gene that has gotten out of control. Genes tell the cells what to do, specifically what type of protein to create.  The Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes (BRCA1 & BRCA2) are codes for proteins that help to maintain the stability of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).  BRCA1 is associated with increased risk of breast, cervical, uterine, colon, and pancreatic cancers.  BRCA2 is associated with increased risk of ovarian, pancreatic, bile duct, gallbladder, and stomach cancers. 

Men can also be affected with male breast cancer from these genes.  Additionally, BRCA1 in men is associated with increased risk of testicular cancer, and BRCA2 is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer.

Not everyone needs BRCA genetic testing.  Only people who have a strong family history for breast and ovarian cancer should be tested for BRCA.  If you have a sister, mother, or aunt who was diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer before menopause or a brother, father or uncles who was diagnosed with breast cancer, then discuss this with your physician.  Remember an association is not a definite diagnosis, so speak with your doctor to determine risk factors prior to genetic testing.  If you do not know your family history, then it may be reasonable to have the BRCA test.

Routine breast self-exam and mammography remain the best ways to screen for breast cancer.  Make it your mission to regularly schedule your annual mammogram starting at age 40 or earlier if you have a family history; remind your sisters, friends, and family to do the same.  Though Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t until October, health awareness is necessary year round and can be the difference between life and death. 

Be well.

Pollen & Allergy Season

Everything is yellow: cars, sidewalks and windowsills.  The air is filled with pollen as trees, grass and flowers bloom in abundance.  Spring marks nature’s awakening and allergy season is in full force. But  common symptoms can be easily alleviated through a few easy tips. 

Pollen particles are breathed into the nose and mouth causing irritation.  The ears, nose, and throat are all connected, and it is not unusual to have an itch in your ear, tickle in your throat, and a sneeze in your nose.  These can also be accompanied by headache, fatigue, and nasal congestion.

To lessen the impact on your health, try to follow these tips:

—Avoid touching your eyes, for whatever is on your hands could bother your eyes, which can add to nasal issues, too.

—Watch the pollen count just as you keep an eye on the weather report.  When the pollen count is high, avoid outdoor exercise. People who suffer from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD/emphysema) can be particularly susceptible to changes in the pollen count.   Save the grass cutting for another day and pray for a good rain to wash away some of the pollen.

—With the switch from furnace to air-conditioner as winter turns to spring, change the filters so when cool air is forced through your home, you are not aerosolizing pollen, dander, mold, and other allergens.

—Keep the windows closed even though spring’s warmth is inviting.  You want to keep as much pollen out of the house as possible, for once it’s in, it’s nearly impossible to get out.  Vacuum your carpets more frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to remove as much pollen from your living space. Clean your garage, carport and/or the entrances to your home to further keep pollen outside.

—Keep the top up on the convertible, as well as the sunroof and windows closed to keep from taking pollen into your eyes, nose, and lungs at 65 mph.

—A few drops of eucalyptus oil in the shower can help clear the sinuses.

—A cool cloth over the eyes can calm irritation.

—Acupuncture has been shown to improve allergy symptoms.

Dr. Morris

—If irritation persists, especially during recurring seasons, consider allergy shots.  These inject a tiny amount of offending allergen to familiarize your body so it creates its own antigen.

—Neti Pots are very popular to rinse the sinuses with soothing salt water; however, there have been some cases of serious infection associated with them.  Keep the Neti Pot clean as directed. Do not use tap water for the Neti Pot treatment; instead use distilled water or previously boiled water to prevent amebiasis, which can infect the brain, causing meningitis.   An alternative is to use a squeeze-bulb nasal saline spray purchased from a pharmacy for nasal irrigation.

—The jury is out on the effectiveness of honey for control of seasonal allergies.  Remember, people with food allergies and children under 12 months should not eat honey.  Talk to your doctor prior to beginning any healthcare regime.

With care and a fresh box of tissues, you can breathe easily through allergy season.

Be well.