Author: VA Womens Health

Breast Cancer Risk Testing: Is the BRCA Test Right for You?

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You may have seen the term “BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 testing” being used on the internet in regard to breast cancer, but are you unsure about what it means? The simple explanation is this: BRCA1 and BRCA 2 are genes that help repair damaged DNA. Damaged DNA can lead to tumor growth. When either of these genes do not function properly, cells are more likely to develop genetic alterations that can lead to cancer.

It is possible to test for BRCA 1 & 2 mutations, but is it necessary for you? Having all of the information can help you make an informed decision.

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July is Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month

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As common as uterine fibroids are, it was only a matter of time before a month was dedicated to it in an effort to help raise awareness, research, and funding. If you’re not familiar with the condition, you may be surprised to learn that by age 50, as many as 70% of white females and 80% of African American females have had fibroids. And if you are familiar with it, you most likely know there are many powerful and successful treatment options available to conquer the condition.

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Could My Infertility be Caused by Endometriosis?

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Endometriosis is a much more prevalent issue than many people might think. In fact, fewer than 1/3 of women know what endometriosis is, despite it affecting approximately one out of every ten women in the United States. 

Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue begins to grow outside of the uterus. Because this tissue responds to a woman’s menstrual cycle, symptoms can be confused with period pain. Since the tissue has no way of leaving the body, lesions, scar tissue and inflammation can occur. All of these symptoms could potentially lead to infertility.

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How is Stress Affecting My Health?

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Nearly everyone will experience some type of stress in their lives. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors including, work, money, health, family and a laundry list of other items that are often unavoidable. You may know that long periods of stress and anxiety can leave you feeling tired and worn out, but did you know that it can have serious long-term effects on your health?

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World Cancer Day 2017

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Cancer is the leading cause of death around the world. Every year, approximately 12.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer and 7.6 million of them will die from the disease.

For World Cancer Day in 2017, individuals and organizations are adopting the “We can. I can” approach to cancer. This means that organizations and individuals will both do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.

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New Year Diet & Exercise Tips

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It’s a new year. Time to think about diet and exercise. Here are a few tips to help get you started…

Stick to a plan with your meals

Virginia Women's HealthWhether you’ll be cooking your next meal or eating out, planning ahead will benefit you. Look up the restaurant ahead of time to check out its menu and see if there’s a wide variety of foods that you’ll feel good about eating. You can also review the nutritional information about each item on the menu to know exactly what it will consist of.

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