Co-Pilot Your Breast Health with Dr. Rachel Brem Innovate and Elevate

On this episode of Innovate and Elevate, Sharon is joined by Dr. Rachel Brem. Dr. Brem is board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology. She is a Professor of Radiology, the Vice Chair of Radiology, and Director of Breast Imaging & Intervention at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
In this conversation, Dr. Brem shares how to understand your risk for breast cancer and her recommended imaging strategy for those with dense breast tissue. She also emphasizes the importance of co-creating a personalized healthcare plan with a doctor that suits your needs. 
Note that other risk factors may influence your individual situation. For a comprehensive understanding, explore additional resources at breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors. 
Cancer in a dense breast is exponentially more difficult to detect in a mammogram, which is why Dr. Brem is a strong advocate for breast ultrasound and/or MRI. In fact, breast imaging specialists can find 25% more cancerous cells with ultrasound screening in women with dense breasts than they can with mammography. 
Dr. Brem doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all breast healthcare approach. Instead, she urges women to get the knowledge they need to make the right choices for their health and find a doctor that can tailor a plan for their unique needs. 
Finally, Dr. Brem shares her hope in the technologies currently in development to help detect cancer before imaging, such as liquid biopsy and breath analysis. 
Connect with Sharon
Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: Sharon KedarLearn more about Innovate and Elevate innovateandelevatepodcast.comSubscribe to Innovate and Elevate on YouTubeJoin the newsletter to receive the latest episodes in your inbox: Innovate and Elevate Newsletter
Connect with Dr. Rachel Brem
Connect with Dr. Rachel Brem on LinkedIn: Dr. Rachel Brem
Additional Resources
No Longer Radical by Dr. Rachel Brem and Dr. Christy TealBrem Foundation to Defeat Breast CancerCheckMate by The Brem FoundationTyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment CalculatorBreast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (The Gail Model)
Glossary
Prophylactic mastectomy: A prophylactic mastectomy is surgery to remove one or both breasts to lower the chances of getting breast cancer.BRCA mutation: A BRCA mutation is a mutation in either of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are tumor suppressor genes. Harmful mutations in these genes may produce a hereditary breast–ovarian cancer syndrome. Liquid biopsy: A liquid biopsy is a test that checks for signs of diseases by analyzing a small sample...