Erin Hofstatter, MD, from Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Medical School, gives some indications that should prompt a patient or family member to go for genetic counseling and testing.

Hofstatter goes over the “classic red flags” that can indicate hereditary cancer risk and a need for genetic counseling and testing, including patients or family members diagnosed at a younger age or if the family history has a clustering of breast and ovarian cancer, or breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers.

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Dr. Erin Hofstatter gives some "red flags" that indicate a patient or family member should consider genetic counseling and testing.

Erin Hofstatter answers: Who Should Get Genetic Counseling and Testing?

Erin Hofstatter, MD, from Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Medical School discusses the risks and benefits that should be told to a patient at high-risk for breast cancer considering preventive surgery.

While preventive mastectomy can offer a better quality of life and almost entirely remove the risk of cancer, there are considerable risks to consider. With surgery, there is a lengthy recovery period, the potential for complications, and cosmetic issues that can arise. Hofstatter stresses that it is a big decision and is the best choice for some patients, but not all.

Erin Hofstatter, MD, discusses the important risks and benefits to consider when deciding on preventive surgery for patients at high-risk for breast cancer.

Erin Hofstatter, MD

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Erin Hofstatter answers: Who Should Get Genetic Counseling and Testing?

Erin Hofstatter on Counseling Patients at High-Risk for Breast Cancer on Preventive Mastectomy