Beyond the BRCA Gene

No family history of breast cancer? You still need that mammogram. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Janet Michael sits down with Dr. Anita Minghini, breast surgeon and Medical Director of Breast Care Services at Valley Health, to bust some of the most common myths about breast cancer, from who is really at risk to what genetic testing can (and can't) tell you. Dr. Minghini explains why every woman should get a mammogram every year starting at 40, how weight, alcohol, and diet play a role after menopause, and why a "normal" genetic test doesn't mean you can skip your screening. She also talks about Valley Health's new mobile mammography unit and who it's meant to reach, gives tips for a more comfortable mammogram (coffee lovers, take note), shows the right way to do a self-exam, and explains why a mastectomy is not the only treatment option. If you've been putting off your mammogram, this conversation is your sign to make the call. LINKS & RESOURCES Dr. Anita Minghini (profile, accepting new patients): valleyhealthlink.com/find-a-doctor/profile/anita-minghini-md Valley Health Breast Center: 400 Campus Blvd., Suite 220, Winchester, VA 22601 · 540-536-5466 Valley Health breast imaging and mammograms: valleyhealthlink.com/our-services/imaging/breast-imaging Steven E. & Beverley B. Shoemaker Valley Health Mobile Mammography Unit, funded through Valley Health Foundations' Stronger Together campaign: valleyhealthlink.com/stronger THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday