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Today on Breast Cancer Conversations, we discuss germline breast cancer mutations and the weighted complexities of passing on genes that may lead to developing breast cancer, or other types of cancer. We are joined by:

Dr. Mártir-Negrón:  a medical geneticist at Miami Cancer Institute, a world class cancer center part of Baptist Health South Florida. Dr. Mártir-Negrón, is trained in internal medicine, genetic diagnosis and the treatment of patients with hereditary disorders. Dr. Mártir-Negrón,  is board certified in medical genetics and internal medicine. Her clinical interests include genetic cancer risk assessment, breast cancer, colon cancer and ovarian cancer. We are also joined today with a panel of women, moms, and daughters, who have all been affected by either breast cancer or a germline genetic mutation, which increases one's risk for developing cancer. 

Abigail Johnston: who is living with metastatic stage iv breast cancer and carries the ATM gene Abigail’s mother, Beverly Schroeder who was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer only to discover later on that she too carries the ATM gene.  

Trish Chambers Balas three-time breast cancer survivor joins us with her daughter Maddie Balas. 

We also have Stephanie McLeod Estevez.  After losing her mom to metastatic breast cancer, Stephanie decided not to rush into getting genetic testing. She focused on grieving the loss of her mother and starting her own family. It wasn't till after she became a mom and was diagnosed with breast cancer herself, that she discovered that she carries the BRCA2 genetic mutation.

We don't have any control of our genes. Let me just start it with that. Our genes are the things that are in our DNA, it is something that we have no control over.  This is not about blame. This is not about looking at somebody and saying it's your fault. It's about how do you deal with a genetic mutation that runs in a family. Welcome to the conversation.

Episodes you may also like:

Understanding the Complexities of Genetic Testing
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/podcast/episode/c045cfab/49-understanding-the-complexities-of-genetic-testing-an-interview-with-genetics-counselor-fatima-amir-ms-lgc

Lymphedema, the ATM Gene & Humor:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/podcast/episode/c09b7b3c/18-the-boob-ambassador-lymphedema-the-atm-gene-and-humor

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