Vera, Sarah and Whitney

The Breast Brief

Health EN ↓ 5 episodes

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.

Author

Vera, Sarah and Whitney

Episodes

Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk (Part 2) 10.06.2026 23:22

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...

Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk (Part 1) 27.05.2026 23:33

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:...

From Risk to Referral: Inside the Genetic Counseling Visit 15.05.2026 17:04

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...

Breast Cancer Risk Models: Is There a Best One? 08.04.2026 17:19

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 thos...

Why Risk Assessment Matters? 26.03.2026 23:20

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 express...