There's an important tool being used in the Ark-La-Tex to help diagnose and treat Breast Cancer.
It's a service that could save your life.
At LSU Health Sciences Center, a group of experts is working to make sure families have proper information at hand when battling breast cancer.
It all starts with Genetic Testing.
In Sporadic Breast Cancer, which counts for 90 percent of all cases, full evaluations are done.
"We do a full pathology evaluation and that includes looking at the cells, seeing what types of cells they are, seeing what the morphology is so we can make a proper diagnosis," said Director Of Molecular Pathology, Mary Nordberg.
By looking at genetic profiles, not only can cancers be properly diagnosed but clinicians can decide what treatments are needed.
"Some patients may need an additional surgery, some may need Tamoxifen or something else."
Nordberg says only 10-percent cases are hereditary.
Which means abnormal genes have been passed down your family tree.
"If you are positive for one of these genes the likelihood of having breast cancer increase about 90-percent, if you are under the age of 80."
If you have a family history of breast cancer, the Heredity Cancer Risk Program offers genetic testing for you and your family.
More than a thousand people have been helped in the last few years.
"Many of those people have been identified as carrying a gene that causes the family to be at higher risk," said HCRP Manager, Mary Gutowski-Futch.
Just because someone in your family has breast cancer, it doesn't always mean you're at risk.
And Genetic testing can ease the mind and help your family for years to come.
"They can find out and prevent cancer."
If you're interested in Genetic Testing or the Heredity Cancer Risk Program, contact the Feist Weiller Cancer Center for more information.