You've probably heard of cancer survivors, but have you heard of previvors? These are women with genetic mutations like BRCA1, BRCA2, or CHECK2 who are at higher risk for cancer but don't have it yet. October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Menopause Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to discuss genetic testing, cancer risk assessment, and what previvors need to know about their options.

Using a 28-year-old patient with CHECK2 mutation as an example, I walk through when genetic testing makes sense, how to calculate your lifetime risk, and what screening protocols change when your risk is elevated.

I cover modifiable lifestyle factors that account for 30% of breast cancer cases, including alcohol intake, diet, exercise, and optimal body weight. The key message: genetic testing is about empowerment and prevention, not fear.

I also address surgical menopause after risk-reducing procedures. When you remove ovaries in your 30s or 40s to prevent cancer, you fall off a hormonal cliff with immediate consequences.

The critical issue: estrogen therapy is NOT contraindicated for previvors without personal cancer history, yet surgical patients are rarely given a menopause plan before going under anesthesia. Early estrogen loss increases cardiovascular disease, dementia, osteoporosis, and all-cause mortality risks.

Highlights:

• What CHECK2, BRCA1/2, and other mutations mean for lifetime cancer risk.
• How removing ovaries before age 45 without HRT increases all-cause mortality risk.
• Why previvors without cancer CAN and SHOULD take estrogen after preventative surgery.
• Why you should demand a menopause plan BEFORE risk-reducing surgery, not after.

If this episode empowered you to have conversations about family history and genetic testing, or helped you understand why hormone replacement matters after preventative surgery, please share it with women who need this information.

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Mentioned in this episode:

GSM Collective

The GSM Collective - Chicago

GSM Collective

GSM Collective

The GSM Collective - Chicago

GSM Collective