With a strong family history of cancer, Jennifer Hetrick chose to take a proactive approach in understanding her risk. Genetic testing revealed she carried two mutations that are associated with an increased chance of developing cancer.
"My dad comes from a family of 14 kids, and cancer has touched about 12 of them. Because of that family history, they slowly started getting genetic testing."
Those results led Jennifer to Aurora BayCare Medical Center's High Risk Cancer Clinic, where she underwent additional screenings every six months. During one of her screenings, doctors discovered abnormalities.
After deciding to undergo a double mastectomy and reconstruction, surgeons discovered a small cancerous mass at a very early stage. Doctors say her proactive approach and high-risk care plan played a key role in that early detection.
"A high-risk care plan was huge for her outcome. Because her cancer was caught when it was very small and favorable, she may have avoided additional treatments and potentially even saved her life," said Dr. Luehmann, fellowship-trained breast surgeon BayCare Clinic.
Jennifer says this experience has also given her daughters the tools they need to start genetic testing for their future.
Learn more about BayCare Clinic’s breast specialists or watch the clip to hear more about Jennifer’s story.