Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Experts urge screenings, knowing family’s cancer history

JACKSON, Tenn. — October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

While it is important to get health screenings, one survey shows a large portion of women fear the tests.

According to the Myriad Genetics Cancer Risk Survey, 80% of women reported being afraid to get screened.

This is primarily due to fear of the results.

Dr. Ifeyinwa Stitt, an OBGYN, stresses the importance of knowing your family’s cancer history.

“It’s imperative, and I think all patients really need to, you know, be advocates for themselves,” Dr. Stitt said. “With all of the information that’s out there, I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for patients to dig into their family history, be their own advocate.”

One way to learn more about your family’s health history is to get genetic testing.

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