Genetic Testing

Genetic Testing

Thursday, May 16th 2013

Genetic Testing and Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

authored by Sheryl Kraft

If you found out you were at high risk for breast cancer, what would you do?

Angelina Jolie made a very brave decision when she recently opted for, and announced, she had undergone a prophylactic double mastectomy after finding out she carried a genetic mutation.

More: Prophylactic Mastectomy: Why This Woman Chose It

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Angelina Jolie Has Preventative Double Mastectomy

HealthDay News

Testing revealed she carries a genetic mutation that left her susceptible to breast cancer.

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, May 14 (HealthDay News) -- Hollywood film star Angelina Jolie announced Tuesday that she has undergone a double mastectomy because she carries a genetic mutation that greatly increases her risk of potentially fatal breast cancer.

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5 Signs and Symptoms of von Willebrand Disease

von willebrand disease symptomsWhat is von Willebrand disease (VWD)? It is the most common bleeding disorder in the United States, found in up to 1 percent of the population. Blood contains numerous proteins that help the body stop bleeding after medical procedures or injuries. One of these proteins is named von Willebrand factor (VWF). People with VWD have low levels of VWF or VWF that doesn't work properly, so their blood doesn't clot properly.

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5 Tips for Living Well With von Willebrand Disease

von willebrand disease tipsVon Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common bleeding disorder in the United States, found in up to 1 percent of the population. VWD isn't curable, but most cases are mild and may only require treatment if you have surgery, dental procedures or an accident. Women may also experience heavy bleeding during menstrual periods or childbirth.

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Understanding von Willebrand Disease: Do You Know the Signs?

von willebrand diseaseBleeding disorders occur more frequently than many people realize. The most common type of bleeding disorder, von Willebrand disease (VWD), is found in up to 1 percent of the population. Although VWD is equally common in men and women, symptoms can be more noticeable in women because of heavy bleeding during their menstrual periods and after childbirth.

What is VWD?

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Looking for a cure-all?

Looking for a cure-all? Tea tree oil, a natural derivative of the melaleuca alternifolia plant, might be the closest thing to it. This disinfecting, tangy-smelling oil can help clear up acne, heal cuts and scrapes, fight athlete's foot and treat a wide array of other ailments. It's also widely available in personal care and household cleaning products.

As a supplement to other kinds of treatment, some health care providers use art therapy to help patients heal from both physical and emotional trauma

As a supplement to other kinds of treatment, some health care providers use art therapy to help patients heal from both physical and emotional trauma. Like talk therapy, art therapy helps patients release emotions and thoughts about their condition and their experience, and sometimes the results are incredibly enlightening...and beautiful.