With an estimated 265,000 people who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States this year, including men, regular screenings and self-exams will translate into improved survival rates because the cancers will likely be detected at earlier stages, according to Dr. Lisa F. Minton, a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in breast care at AdventHealth Medical Group. 

In this episode of the Inspiring Wholeness podcast, presented by AdventHealth in partnership with the Orlando Business Journal, Minton and Dr. Wes Walker, director of genomics and personalized health (GPH) at AdventHealth, discuss breakthroughs in breast cancer research and the role of genomic testing in personalized medicine.

“For patients who are able to get genetic testing before they're diagnosed with breast cancer — it gives them the opportunity to do something preventative, such as risk reducing mastectomies or removal of their ovaries and tubes,” Minton said. “Or depending on the mutation, beginning their screening at much younger ages.”

Walker describes genomics as the study of a person’s DNA. He said it’s about “looking at how a person’s entire genome affects their health care journey, from early risk identification, prevention, diagnosis or treatment if they do develop some type of condition.”
Listen to this episode to learn more about: 

• The most significant recent breakthroughs in breast cancer research.
• What role genetic research plays in identifying breast cancer risk and potential treatments.
• How genomics differs from traditional genetic testing.
• How genomics has contributed to understanding complex disease and conditions.
• Making genomic testing more affordable.
• Laws that protect patients when it comes to genetic testing.
• The importance of routine breast self-exams, which have waned over the years due to advances in technology. 
• Possible symptoms of breast cancer men should watch for. 
• AdventHealth’s multidisciplinary breast cancer clinic with several campuses throughout Central Florida. 

To learn more, visit adventhealth.com/genomics or contact a nurse navigator in AdventHealth's Geonomics Personalized Health program at (407) 303-2091.

AdventHealth has provided whole-person care for 115 years. Today, our services, including cancer, cardiac, neurosurgery, orthopedics and a dedicated women’s and children’s hospital are rated among the nation’s best. Learn more at feelhealthyfeelwhole.com.

Disclaimer
AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal are providing this podcast as a public benefit. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for any professional advice or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of AdventHealth or the Orlando Business Journal policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AdventHealth or the Orlando Business Journal. The views expressed by our guests are their own. Their participation in the podcast does not imply an endorsement by them or any entity they represent. AdventHealth and the Orlando Business Journal hereby disclaim any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequence of damages, arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content in this podcast, which is provided, as is, and without warranties.