A Breast Cancer Awareness Month Story

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

The whole family has undergone what’s called “Cascade Testing” and is taking preventative measures to protect themselves – including full hysterectomies and double mastectomies. Newswise Image

Mega Doctor News

- Advertisement -

By Hackensack Meridian Health

There are many genetic traits Melissa Hodgson is thrilled to share with her mom, June and her sister, Shannon – just look at their family photo. 

But there is one trait the sisters and mother share that you cannot see – they all carry the inherited BRCA mutation – increasing their risk for developing breast cancer as well as ovarian cancer. The family had absolutely no idea how high risk they were until Melissa felt an unusual pain while jumping rope. 

- Advertisement -

Now, the whole family has undergone what’s called “Cascade Testing” and is taking preventative measures to protect themselves – including full hysterectomies and double mastectomies.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please consider a story on the importance of genetic testing, the family and our oncology specialists are available to do interviews. 

Click here for their full story and see additional photos of the family attached.

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

STHS McAllen Hosts Think Pink Parade for Breast Cancer Awareness

Community plays a critical role in the fight against breast cancer, providing encouragement, compassion and connection that can help patients and survivors navigate one of life's most difficult challenges.

Donna Native Serves with U.S. Navy Medicine in Spain

Petty Officer 3rd Class Elizmar Rodriguez, a native of Donna, Texas, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Rota, Spain.

Texas Border Business and Mega Doctor News Join AACT Now Voter Initiative

Texas Border Business and Mega Doctor News have joined AACT Now’s Rally the Vote initiative, using their digital platforms to encourage eligible Rio Grande Valley residents to register to vote and participate in the November 2026 election.

Texas Oncology to Host Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium in McAllen on Oct. 16th

The Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium 2026 is an educational and networking event hosted by Texas Oncology and sponsored by Caris Life Sciences, bringing together oncology specialists, surgeons, advanced practice providers, and community healthcare professionals to discuss the latest advances in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and reconstruction. The symposium's theme, "Breast Cancer 2026: Early Detection, Modern Care, and Survivorship Through Community Partnership," highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care
- Advertisement -