Nearly Departed: Reducing Your Risk of Cancer
In a recent episode of the Healthful Woman, “Nearly Departed: Reducing Your Risk of Cancer,” podcast host Dr. Nathan Fox discussed with author Gila Pfeffer and Genetic Counselor Estie Rose genetic testing, breast cancer prevention, and the role of genetic counseling in women’s health. Gila shares her personal experience as a breast cancer previvor and advocate, and they discuss how her story intertwines with Estie’s work as a genetic counselor.
Gila’s Background
Gila has a family history of breast cancer, with her mom dying at 42 of breast cancer, her grandma dying at 49, and her father dying at 55 of colon cancer. Knowing her family history, Gila pursued BRCA testing when it became available in 2005. She tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation and, at age 34, elected to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. The surgery revealed early but aggressive cancer. She went on to receive nine rounds of chemotherapy and later had her ovaries removed, entering surgical menopause at 35. Gila is now an advocate and author, using her platform to encourage awareness and proactive decision-making.
About Gila’s Book Nearly Departed: A Memoir: Adventures in Loss, Cancer, and Other Inconveniences
Gila discussed her book sharing, “It’s been referred to as heartbreakingly hilarious. And what you don’t want to do is make it too heavy and too sad because that will be too much for readers…laughter and humor are a great delivery system for a more important and weighty message.” Estie tells her patients to read Gila’s book, “I tell people that if you want a different perspective on things, like not just the doom-and-gloom perspective on things, read the book. And I hope people are. I hope they’re listening.”
Estie’s Background
As a genetic counselor, Estie Rose helps patients understand inherited cancer risks and guides them through available options. Her work emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information so patients can make informed decisions for themselves and their families. Genetic testing has advanced beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2, with current panels evaluating dozens of genes linked to breast, ovarian, colon, pancreatic, and other cancers. Testing is performed through saliva samples from the comfort of patients’ homes, with results typically available within weeks. Each patient then meets with a counselor to review their results.
About Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is now more accessible than ever. Patients receive at-home saliva kits, with results processed within two to three weeks. Counseling sessions ensure individuals understand the impact of their results on both themselves and their relatives. Programs like JScreen now test for more than 40 different cancer-related genes, offering information on hereditary risks and enabling patients to plan their treatments.
Gila’s Feel It On The First Campaign
For more than seven years, Pfeffer has led the “Feel It On The First” campaign on Instagram, encouraging women to perform monthly breast self-exams. The initiative aims to normalize breast health conversations and keep awareness at the forefront. By using humor, the campaign helps reduce stigma while reinforcing that early detection remains one of the strongest predictors of survival. Gila shared, “If it’s there, it’s there whether you find it or not. So, you’d better find it before it finds you.”
Learn More
For more information, listen to the full episode of the Healthful Woman podcast. For imaging in New York, contact Carnegie Imaging for Women today by completing the online contact form.
Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!
