A routine mammogram changed Karen Bloomfield's life forever.
It was during an annual screening to detect breast cancer that a radiologist spotted a suspicious lump in one of her breasts. Not convinced that it had all the characteristics of cancer, the doctor told her to wait, and repeat the mammogram in six months. But with a strong family history of cancer, Bloomfield didn't want to wait. She wanted a second opinion.
That led her to the University of Virginia Health System, where a dedicated breast radiologist and other specialists from the Breast Care Center offered Bloomfield a definitive diagnosis - early-stage breast cancer. "If I had waited six months, the cancer probably would have gotten much worse," says the Charlottesville woman.
Though Bloomfield was cancer-free after surgery and chemotherapy, she didn't have peace of mind. She was concerned that her genetic makeup had put her at an increased risk of developing breast cancer again. Given that family history is one of the strongest predictors of a woman's chance of developing breast cancer, her fears weren't unfounded. Eager to learn more, she made an appointment with UVa's cancer genetics counseling service, which helps at-risk individuals make informed decisions about genetic testing, screening options and risk-reduction strategies. She tested positive for the BRCA-2 gene, meaning she had a 40-65 percent risk of developing a second breast cancer and was at increased risk for ovarian cancer.
"It was like being hit with breast cancer again," Bloomfield recalls. Yet knowing and doing something about her risk, she felt, was better than waiting. She met with a genetic counselor to discuss options for managing her cancer risk, which included increased surveillance and the use of medications such as tamoxifen. To lower her risk and lessen her anxiety about getting breast cancer, she decided to have prophylactic (preventive) surgery, which involved removing as much of the at-risk tissue as possible to reduce her chances of developing cancer.
Other members of her family opted to have genetic testing as well. Her sister not only tested positive for the BRCA-2 gene but also learned she had precancerous lesions in both breasts. Bloomfield's personal journey also has had a profound impact on her daughter Elana, 19; now aware that the gene runs in her family, she will be more vigilant about screening. "I am really glad to have this information for her sake," Karen Bloomfield says. "She's going to start having mammograms at 25."
To make an appointment with a breast cancer specialist, or to schedule a mammogram at UVa, call 888-882-3435.
Fill out a family history questionnaire for breast and ovarian cancer.
