Local health experts highlight importance of Olivia Munn breast cancer battle
After Actress Olivia Munn recently shared she’s been battling breast cancer, local medical experts say her story is highlighting an important message.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - After Actress Olivia Munn recently shared she’s been battling breast cancer, local medical experts say her story is highlighting an important message.
Munn shared that despite having mammograms and tests coming back normal, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Munn says that diagnosis would have never happened had her doctor not calculated her risk assessment using factors like family history that helped them find the proper intensity of breast cancer screenings for Munn.
Local oncologists say the lesson to learn is for women to be in tune with their own individualized risk.
“It’s important to be aware of these tools, know your family history if you can, be aware of that and then take that information to a physician who can sit down with you and really map out a plan that makes the most sense for you,” said Laura Dover, the Attending Radiation Oncologist at Ascension St. Vincent East Medical Center.
Dover says there are lots of online tools that can help you calculate your risk based on things like family history and estrogen exposure. You can learn more by asking your doctor for more information.
Visit bcrisktool.cancer.gov to use the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool.
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