Breast surgical oncologist Dr. Pat Whitworth and his staff at the Nashville Breast Center want women to know that breast cancer screening should be based on an individual’s calculated lifetime risk, with mammograms starting at age 40 for average risk, but with the addition of advanced imaging and possibly genetic testing for higher risk.
“For women with breast cancer, we empha-size that most patients are cured and go on to live normal lives. Furthermore, most patients don’t need chemotherapy. Molecular genom-ic tumor profiling identifies the minority who do. We also recommend genetic testing for all cancer patients which benefits the patient and her relatives as well” Whitworth says.
“Our guiding principle is to match the treatment to the patient, considering her individual needs and preferences, and the ideal curative approach based on analysis of her particular tumor."
“This way, we avoid over-treatment and under-treatment that can come from a one-size-fits-all strategy.”
Whitworth specialized in surgical oncology at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Additionally, he’s served as vice chair for breast research for the American College of Surgeons Oncology Gropup and chairman of the board for the American Society of Breast Surgeons.
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