Two Healthy Dose Blog posts from the University of Arizona Health Sciences focus our attention on cancer this month, one appropriately—as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—targeting BRACA1 and BRACA2 mutations.
The other addresses human papillomavirus (HPV) which is known to cause cervical cancer and head-and-neck cancer.
“Human Papillomavirus is Not a Defeated Virus”
By Brittany L. Forte | Oct 22, 2018
What lacks a brain but has the ability to swiftly avoid setting off our body’s intruder detectors, bringing its own blueprints into our cells to make more of itself, and in some cases, cause cancer? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly sexually transmitted virus, and it is estimated that 80 percent of people will be infected by HPV in their lifetimes. HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact and can infect various parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, mouth, throat and anogenital regions....
“Empowering Breast Cancer Patients with Genetic Testing”
By Valerie Schaibley, PhD, and Kenneth S. Ramos, MD, PhD, PharmB | Oct 16, 2018
In 2013, Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie wrote a now famous opinion piece for the New York Times detailing her journey involving genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer. The filmmaker and humanitarian, whose mother and aunt died of ovarian and breast cancer, respectively, was determined not to fall victim to the same fate. Jolie worked with her doctor to undergo genetic testing for several different genes that, when they mutate, increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer...
ALSO SEE:
“Healthy Dose Blog Takes Aim at Valley Fever for Fungal Disease Awareness Week” | Posted Oct. 4, 2018
“Advances in Understanding Asthma Genetics Will Help Patients Breathe Easier, Says Latest Healthy Dose Blogpost” | Posted July 23, 2018