Paris, TX – One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. That’s why it’s important to begin annual mammogram screenings at age 40. Regular mammograms are essential to early detection and the fight against breast cancer. In fact, with early detection, the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is 99 percent.
To empower patients who may have a family history of cancer, Paris Regional Health is now offering generic cancer testing to qualifying individuals during their routine mammogram screening. This test looks for mutations (changes) in genes that have been passed down through generations, and which may increase an individual’s risk of developing cancer. “Each year, over 250,000 women in the United States learn that they have breast cancer. While most of these cancers happen by chance, some are hereditary,” said Natasha Dixon, Director of Radiology at Paris Regional Health. “If someone knows they have a genetic mutation, they can take steps to reduce their risk or detect cancer early.”
For patients who have a family history of cancer, genetic testing is the best way to learn their cancer risk. Depending on their test results, a patient may be at hereditary, familial, or general population risk of developing cancer. If hereditary cancer testing is recommended, it can be done right in the provider’s office during the mammogram screening appointment.
A patient who wishes to receive genetic testing will first need to answer several questions about their personal and family history of cancer, which will help determine if they qualify as a candidate. Before their appointment, a patient can assist us by learning the following:
• What is the history of cancer on your mother’s and father’s sides of the family?
• What is the history of cancer for your other close blood relatives, including parents, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews?
• If one or more of your relatives was diagnosed with cancer, what was the type of cancer, and what was their age at diagnosis?
Genetic cancer testing doesn’t just give patients peace of mind – it can help them make life-saving decisions regarding their health.
For more information about genetic testing during a screening mammogram or to schedule an
appointment, call 903.737.3900.
About Paris Regional Health
Paris Regional Health, located in Paris, Texas, is a 154-bed, general acute-care hospital that has been serving Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma for 112 years. With cutting-edge equipment, robust service lines and supporting a staff of 800+, PRH stands as the most complex hospital in at least a 70-mile radius of Paris. PRH is an Advanced Level III Trauma Facility, Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI, Advanced Primary Stroke Care certified, and our orthopedic outcomes are in the top 5% in the nation. We offer 24/7 on-call services across 9 specialties in addition to our Emergency Room. Paris Regional is committed to its mission of making communities healthier® by providing high-quality, accessible health care close to home.
