Understanding the Genetics of Breast Cancer

Cancer Care Connections

On this week’s episode of Cancer Care Connections, Cheryl Tan discusses with Dr. Sonia Hepburn, hematologist oncologist for Virginia Oncology Associates, the pros and cons of genetic testing, specifically as it relates to breast cancer and other associated cancers.

Dr. Sonia Hepburn received her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from Princeton University. She received her medical degree from the University of Southern California where she also did her internship/residency in Internal Medicine. She completed her Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.

She is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. She is trained in treating all cancer types with a special interest in breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers.

Topics
What is a genetic mutation? [2:22]
Recommendations for a breast cancer patient to undergo genetic testing [3:41]
What is the genetic testing process? [6:49]
What the test results mean for patients with breast cancer [ 7:25]
Family history and the Tyrer-Cuzick model score [9:39]
Variations in cancer risk based on mutations [10:58]
What does it mean if the test comes back negative [13:17]
Patient Story – predisposition to cancer [16:20]
How to get referred [18:24]
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Cancer Care Connections is the official podcast of Virginia Oncology Associates. For more information, visit us at VirginiaCancer.com. or find us on Facebook or Instagram at Virginia Oncology Associates.