Skip to main content UVA Health logo of UVA Health
Healthy Balance

Who Should Get Tested for the Breast Cancer Gene & More Stories from Vim & Vigor Magazine

LaDawn on her family farm

LaDawn Knicely remembers being devastated when her grandmother died of breast cancer. Her grandmother was only in her 50s. LaDawn's grandmother wasn’t the first woman in her family to battle breast cancer, nor the last. Her great-grandmother also died of the disease at an early age. And then, last year, her aunt was diagnosed.

Positive for BRCA Gene

LaDawn needed to dig deeper into what this strong family history of breast cancer could mean for herself, her sister, and her daughter. She had always done her annual Pap test and mammogram. But until her aunt’s diagnosis, she didn’t know about breast cancer genetic testing.

“That’s when my sister and I decided to get tested for BRCA,” LaDawn says. “She was negative. I was positive.”

Read more about how our breast cancer experts helped LaDawn ensure a future free from breast cancer.

MORE HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR FALL 2021 FAMILY HEALTH MAGAZINE

Read the full magazine

This is our last issue. We hope you enjoyed reading Vim & Vigor as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you.

Is an Enlarged Prostate Disrupting Your Life?

Normally the size of a walnut, the prostate can grow as large as a grapefruit. This can make it hard to pee. Find out how urologists can help.

Find an End to Embarrassing Leaks

Implant upgrades and expert urogynecologists help stop bowel and bladder leaks.

Your Eyes Are Amazing

But vulnerable to the ravages of time. See if you’re at risk for a common vision-stealing condition, and get expert tips on how to protect your vision

What’s Causing My Pain?

The source of your pain might be far from where you feel it. Get relief by understanding referred pain and working with a pain specialist to find the source.

At Risk for Second Stroke

If you’ve had a stroke, your chances of having a second stroke are 20%. Nancy Shaver’s career as a Florida coastal city mayor was derailed by a stroke. She’s now living in Charlottesville and taking steps to avoid a second stroke.

Reply & View Comments Search Submit

Subscribe for Updates

Get stories & health tips every week

Related