Fay Gordon's breast cancer was caught in the early stages thanks to genetic testing. Learn more about Kaiser Permanente's hereditary cancer program.
When Fay Gordon learned she had breast cancer at age 35, she was scared but not surprised.
Cancer runs in her family. “My mom's mom passed away from breast cancer when she was 44,” said Gordon. “The knowledge of her passing loomed large in my life growing up.”
Several other family members had received cancer diagnoses over the years, as well.
But it wasn’t only her family history of cancer that readied her for the news. Gordon’s ob-gyn had referred her to Kaiser Permanente’s hereditary cancer program.
Patients who take part in the hereditary cancer program learn about their genetic risk for certain kinds of cancer. They often start getting screened to catch cancer early. And they learn about various medical and surgical options to reduce their risk of cancer.
They’re also connected to a team of specialists who help coordinate all aspects of their care. These teams can include a genetic counselor, a breast surgeon, a gynecologist, and a plastic surgeon, as well as a therapist or social worker who can provide mental health care.
“It takes a unique health care system to support multidisciplinary clinics like these,” explained Bethan Powell, MD, gynecologic oncologist. Powell helped launch one of the first hereditary cancer centers at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco.
“It doesn’t happen in most settings,” Dr. Powell continued, “but with our collaborative culture and support from our leaders, we consult together as a team.”
Gordon’s genetic test revealed that she had a CHEK2 gene mutation. This meant she had a higher risk of both breast and colon cancer.
She met with Veronica Shim, MD, hereditary cancer lead at Kaiser Permanente East Bay in Northern California. Dr. Shim and the rest of Gordon’s care team designed a personalized early detection plan. This included breast cancer screenings every 6 months with alternating mammograms and MRIs.
“Even though it was scary, I appreciated the regular monitoring,” Gordon explained. “Knowing we had a plan helped me get a sense of control. And regular screenings were the reason we caught the breast cancer so early.”
Later, when Gordon learned she had stage 1 breast cancer, she felt prepared because of the education and support she had received. She and her care team were ready to address it.
After her diagnosis, she consulted with Dr. Shim. They decided to surgically remove all her breast tissue. This would completely remove the cancer and help prevent a recurrence.
“Dr. Shim understood my fears,” said Gordon. “She calmed me down and gave me and my husband, David, the facts and details we needed. I trusted her so much and knew she was going to get us through it. I will always be so grateful to her for that.”
A week after her surgery, Gordon received word that it had been a success. Her cancer was gone, and no follow-up chemotherapy would be necessary. Her risk of recurrence was less than 2%.
She received breast reconstruction surgery 6 months later. And the year after her surgery, Gordon gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Leonel.
For women with a family history of breast cancer, talking about it can be hard.
“Many patients have unique sensitivities because there have been deaths in the family due to cancer,” said Dr. Powell. “Sometimes it’s challenging even to talk about the risks because the issues are so intense."
"But sharing your family history of cancer with your doctor is one of the most important things you can do.”
Contact your doctor if your family members have had cancer, especially before they were 50 or if they were from different generations. There are steps you can take to help reduce and manage your cancer risk.
Learn more about cancer care at Kaiser Permanente.
Some of the most common conditions affecting men carry a social stigma …
One in 5 people experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health …
It’s easy to put off recommended health screenings, and sometimes even …
Black Americans experience worse health outcomes compared to other populations …
Lynch syndrome is a gene mutation that increases colon cancer risk. Learn …
Virtual cardiac rehab helped Mike Kelly heal at home after a life-threatening …
A healthy life after cancer is possible. Learn how Kaiser Permanente helps …
Medical Financial Assistance program supports access to health care.
Kaiser Permanente excels in preventing, detecting, and treating kidney …
For Sam Beeson, having a midwife at her side during her pregnancy helped …
Learn more about a study to help prevent cancer.
Colorado musician back with the band thanks to new virtual cardiac rehab …
As part of the Cancer Screening Research Network, our researchers will …
A new Kaiser Permanente facility in Bellflower, California, makes customized …
A timely preventive test reveals Rebecca Kucera has cancer. Swift treatment …
Early detection of the disease, before it becomes advanced, will increase …
Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for most people starting …
Care teams at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center helped Phillip Crawford …
Gabriel Abarca had no hope for his future. Then the team at Kaiser Permanente …
Innovative surgical recovery program helps breast cancer patients safely …
Research shows that marijuana use during pregnancy increases health risks …
One of the best ways to prevent future heart conditions is knowing what …
Tookie Gentilcore returns to enjoying life thanks to a quick, safe method …
Grateful for compassionate and successful Hodgkin lymphoma treatment at …
People with diabetes are more likely to have heart disease.
Kaiser Permanente’s Patient Advisory Councils help us create exceptional …
Cervical cancer is highly preventable. Learn how HPV vaccination and regular …
Following a COVID-19-related hospital stay, Robert DeLeon took charge of …
Members experiencing a low risk pregnancy have the option of having their …
An unexpected cancer diagnosis left Jennifer Martin unsure of the next …
Learn how you can participate in a study to uncover what causes cancer …
A new care option offers a mix of in-person and virtual visits, supported …
From diagnosis to recovery, David Parsons, MD, shares how screening, treatment …
As a lifelong nonsmoker, Mariann Stephens was shocked to learn she had …
Our Advanced Care at Home program provides high-quality, safe care in familiar …
A team of specialists treats an expecting mother’s cancer while keeping …
A child and adolescent psychiatrist shares tips on supporting your child …
Joy Short, a Kaiser Permanente member and employee, turned her breast cancer …
For 75-year-old Peggy Dickston, a surprise diagnosis was caught early thanks …
The prestigious Magnet® designation affirms the compassion, dedication, …
Our annual report shows how our dedicated employees and physicians provided …
Fit and focused, an Oregon father and runner rebounds after an aortic valve …
For years, serious heart attacks meant hours of weekly appointments. Now, …
Members give video visits high marks — and with a few simple tips, you …
Our clinicians help patients get the care they need to move forward with …
Stories in the Department of Research & Evaluation 2022 Annual Report demonstr …
Research and clinical trials play a vital role in advancing cancer treatment …
Kaiser Permanente is at the forefront of cervical cancer research. Find …
Mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. …
After a diagnosis for a rare type of blood cancer, Marla Marriott got high-qua …
The Kaiser Permanente Southern California 2022 Community Health Snapshot …
Harold Newman had advanced prostate cancer. Genetic testing helped expand …
Learn how lifestyle medicine is part of cancer care at Kaiser Permanente.
For the third year in a row, every Kaiser Permanente hospital earned ‘high …
Chemotherapy can be an option during pregnancy. Find out how Kaiser Permanente …
Tarayn Fairlie, MD, a pediatrician and lactation consultant, helps separate …
Michael West shares his incredible journey from diagnosis to treatment …
A Kaiser Permanente plastic surgeon explains breast reconstruction options …
Many people with cancer experience depression and anxiety. Mental health …
Our members are more likely to feed their babies breast milk. And they’re …
After they were both diagnosed with colon cancer, Miguel and Paula fought …
Linda Tapia lives a healthy, active life, so she was stunned to be diagnosed …
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center’s Bridge Program has become …
Age, family history, and race are key factors.
Doctor and mother of 3 Susan Brim received top-notch care after her lung …
Carter Shaver from Portland, Oregon, shares his optimistic smile after …
Help change the future of cancer prevention by joining Connect today.
A new study compares Kaiser Permanente members in Southern California to …
Take time to adjust to a new baby and lifestyle changes — and reach out …
Tips for preventing sunburn and decreasing the risk of skin cancer.
Thanks to personalized care from a team of skilled doctors, Christina McAmis …
Kaiser Permanente member Debbie Hoisch encourages people to know the warning …
Peer mentoring program matches new cancer patients with others who’ve gone …
Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center achieves Magnet status, the …
During National Nurses Week, we thank our remarkable nurses and celebrate …
As a nonsmoker, Betty Schuldt’s stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis was surprising, …
Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center recognized by the Women’s Choice …
When thousands of women industrial workers, often called “Rosies,” joined …
Gestational diabetes poses a significant risk to women of color, particularly …
Remote perinatal monitoring and frequent in-person appointments helped …
Kaiser Permanente offers many high-quality, convenient options to help …
Treatment for bipolar disorder and opiate addiction helps a Kaiser Permanente …
A new study invites participants in Oregon to help uncover what causes …
Learn why early screening is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Kaiser Permanente in Southern California partners with San Diego Wave Fútbol …
A member’s cancer journey, which took her from patient to employee, reflects …
From avid snowboarder to chronically ill patient. How Kaiser Permanente …
After a traumatic boating accident, Gabriela Curiel was airlifted to the …
Almost 16 million people in the United States have chronic obstructive …
New research shows blood pressure patterns early in pregnancy can identify …
Project Nurture in Portland, Oregon, provides treatment and a path forward …
A multidisciplinary care team acted fast to help save the life of a Kaiser …
Kaiser Permanente Ontario Medical Center achieves Magnet® status, the highest …
When a Kaiser Permanente member discovered she had an irregular heartbeat …
A Southern California member with Parkinson’s disease underwent deep brain …
Member achieves bucket list goal of helping to build a Rose Parade float, …
A Kaiser Permanente member’s cancer journey inspires her to join the team …
Volunteers offered preventive care, first aid, cooling stations, and complimen …
Patients like Carol Pitman are living longer, more fulfilling lives thanks …
To meaningfully improve health equity, we must shift our focus to outcomes …