The Breast Brief

Vera, Sarah and Whitney
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

We’re a team of two oncologists (Vera Kazakova and Sarah Colonna) and a genetic counselor (Whitney Maxwell) working side by side in a breast cancer risk clinic. In each episode, we share practical, real-world insights from our practice to help clinicians navigate risk assessment, genetic testing, screening, and prevention—and support patients at increased breast cancer risk across life stages.

Episodes

  1. Jun 10

    Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk (Part 2)

    In this episode, we continue answering common questions about genetic testing for cancer predisposition. We discuss insurance coverage, direct-to-consumer tests, when older genetic testing may need to be updated, and how to follow up on a variant of uncertain significance. We also explore what future parents should know about unexpected cancer predisposition findings during prenatal testing. With questions or comments, please reach out to us:  Twitter/X: @VkazakovaMD Email: thebreastbrief@gmail.com Music:  Music by ⁠⁠⁠Kyrylo Momot⁠⁠⁠ (MomotMusic) from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠ The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect those of their affiliated institutions. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

    23 min

  2. May 27

    Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk (Part 1)

    In this episode, we answer common questions about genetic testing for cancer predisposition, including the difference between tumor and germline testing, what genes are included on hereditary cancer panels, what results may mean, how testing is done, and why results can matter for patients and their family members. With questions or comments, please reach out to us:  Twitter/X: @VkazakovaMD Email: thebreastbrief@gmail.com Music:  Music by ⁠⁠Kyrylo Momot⁠⁠ (MomotMusic) from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠ The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect those of their affiliated institutions. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

    24 min

  3. May 15

    From Risk to Referral: Inside the Genetic Counseling Visit

    In this episode, we take listeners inside a genetic counseling visit and walk through what clinicians and patients can expect before, during, and after genetic testing for cancer predisposition. With questions or comments, please reach out to us:  Twitter/X: @VkazakovaMD Email: thebreastbrief@gmail.com Music:  Music by ⁠Kyrylo Momot⁠ (MomotMusic) from ⁠Pixabay⁠ The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect those of their affiliated institutions. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

    17 min

  4. Apr 8

    Breast Cancer Risk Models: Is There a Best One?

    In this episode, we break down the most commonly used breast cancer risk models—Gail, Tyrer–Cuzick (IBIS), BCSC, and CanRisk—and explore their pros, limitations, and how they fit into clinical workflows. With questions or comments, please reach out to us:  Twitter/X: @VkazakovaMD Email: thebreastbrief@gmail.com Music:  Music by Kyrylo Momot (MomotMusic) from Pixabay The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect those of their affiliated institutions. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

    17 min

  5. Mar 26

    Why Risk Assessment Matters?

    In this episode, we cover the fundamentals of breast cancer risk assessment—who to assess, when to start, what defines high risk, and how it can meaningfully change screening, genetic testing, and prevention strategies. With questions or comments, please reach out to us: Twitter/X: @VkazakovaMD Email: thebreastbrief@gmail.com Music: Music by Kyrylo Momot (MomotMusic) from Pixabay The views expressed are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect those of their affiliated institutions. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

    23 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We’re a team of two oncologists (Vera Kazakova and Sarah Colonna) and a genetic counselor (Whitney Maxwell) working side by side in a breast cancer risk clinic. In each episode, we share practical, real-world insights from our practice to help clinicians navigate risk assessment, genetic testing, screening, and prevention—and support patients at increased breast cancer risk across life stages.

Information

  • Creator
    Vera, Sarah and Whitney
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Vera, Sarah and Whitney
  • Show Website
    The Breast Brief