Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

From the program: “You may have heard the cliché, “Your genes are your destiny.” Dramatic, yes; but, accurate, hmmm, not necessarily. Dr. Knight and I spoke with Margaret Zavich, a breast cancer survivor who took bold, courageous measures to prevent cancer from returning and spreading . . . highly informed decisions based on learning her family medical history, then having a crucial genetic test based on that information, all driving choices that may have saved her life.”

From www.inheritedrisk.com:
In fact, people with HBOC have up to 50% risk of breast cancer by age 50 and up to 44% risk of ovarian cancer by age 70. If you do have an increased risk, you can take measures to prevent cancer from occurring, or be sure to detect it early.

Many people are unaware of their inherited risk, though they may be aware of a cancer history in their family. You should consider talking with a doctor about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome if at least one of the following applies to you:
· Breast cancer before age 50
· Two or more relatives who've had breast cancer
· A male relative who's had breast cancer
· Breast cancer in both breasts or twice in the same breast
· Breast cancer and are of Ashkenazi, or Eastern European Jewish, ancestry
· Ovarian cancer at any age

Dr. Knight is a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Born and raised in Northern California, Dr. Knight completed her undergraduate education at U.C. Berkeley, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Integrative Biology with a minor in Women's Studies. While attending college she received recognition for her contribution to the development of a traveling health clinic for the homeless and for perinatal services for homeless women.

Dr Knight currently is a practicing Ob/Gyn as well as a scientific advisor for Peak Surgical, a national speaker for Myriad Genetics, and a board member for the National Association of Medical Communicators. She is a frequent lecturer and often lectures to resident and attending physicians as a medical science liaison. She is passionate about Women’s health and is interested in participating in all aspects of Women’s health care.