EMPOWERED KNOWLEDGE BY
With genetic testing from Missouri Cancer Associates, a young mom gets ahead of an increased cancer risk.
A
s Jennifer Frerking, busy mom of a 3-year-old, attended her annual check-up at Women’s Health Associates, she was considering taking a leap. Every year at her appointments with OB/GYN Stephanie Womack, MD, Jennifer was told to visit Boone Health’s High Risk Breast Clinic. Jennifer’s mother is a breast cancer survivor, which she knew put her at much higher risk, but now she had another person’s wellbeing on her mind. She says, “I had thought about getting genetic testing before, but I don’t think I would have actually done it if it wasn’t for my daughter. Becoming a parent makes
8
BOONE HEALTH
Summer 2021
you think about things differently — I realized I wasn’t invincible and should go ahead and do this.” At her first appointment at the High Risk Breast Clinic, Jennifer met with Boone Medical Group Surgery nurse practitioner Tiffany Carmichael, APRN, who explained genetic testing to her. “Tiffany talked to me about my risks and suggested the genetic blood test. I decided that was something I wanted to do, and I got the test through Missouri Cancer Associates,” says Jennifer. Tiffany explains that if you have a strong family history of breast cancer or other
characteristics of cancer within your family, having a genetic mutation can increase your risk of developing cancer. Genetic testing is an excellent option to know your risk. “Knowing this information gives you the ability to increase your screening for breast cancer or take preventative options such as prophylactic surgery, where you remove one or both breasts to lower your risk of cancer. If you qualify and you’re ready to move forward with genetic testing, it’s as easy as a blood draw in the office. Once that’s complete, it usually takes somewhere between seven to 14 days to get your results,” says Tiffany.