Since 1985, the U.S. has dedicated the month of October to a national focus on the screening, prevention and survivors of breast cancer. The increased focus on education, screening and lifestyle changes has been a critical tool in driving down both the number of deaths and new diagnoses of breast cancer.
Genetic testing has quickly become a more mainstream practice, both for human interest about one’s ancestry, and for the purpose of understanding how that ancestry might increase our risk for certain diseases. Recent medical news has focused on the BRCA genes and their role in increased cancer risks, and now there are affordable, at-home testing options for those with specific risk factors.
The two BRCA genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2 – normally help protect women from cancer. However, some women experience a mutation of these genes that can actually lead to cancer. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women with a BRCA gene mutation are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 30 times more likely to get ovarian cancer, when compared with women without the gene mutations.
So, should all women be tested for the BRCA gene mutation? The experts say, absolutely not.
“It’s important to keep in mind that gene mutations are only a small part of the breast cancer story,” said Dr. Yasmin Wilkinson, OB/Gyn. “It’s true that having an immediate family member with breast cancer can double your risk of being diagnosed. But it’s also true that more than 80% of women who get breast cancer have NO family history of the disease. There are many other factors, some inside and some outside of your control.”
Both the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the medical community agree there are certain risk factors that indicate a woman should seek genetic counseling, and BRCA testing if recommended after counseling:
• A family history of someone having a positive BRCA mutation
• Ovarian, tubal or peritoneal cancer at any age in a family member
• Breast cancer in a family member before the age of 50
• Triple-negative breast cancer before the age of 60
• Male breast cancer in any family member
• People of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
• Two or more family members with breast cancer, on either side of the family
Beyond BRCA genes, there are more than 30 gene mutations associated with various types of hereditary cancer. Tremendous information can be gained through genetic testing, but it’s important to work with your physician and/or a genetic counselor to ensure you pursue the right options for you.
“Genetic testing is exciting, but in no way does it reduce the need for vigilance on the more prevalent risk factors for cancer,” said Dr. Wilkinson, OB/Gyn. “A healthy, whole food diet, regular exercise, regular mammograms and a no-smoking policy, are still by far the most critical tools for preventing all forms of cancer. Genetic testing is another tool for early intervention and managing increased risk, and should be used judiciously.”
If you meet the criteria set by the USPSTF, talk with your doctor about the best prevention and genetic testing for you. For help finding a primary care physician, contact 325-649-3394 or visit BRMC-Cares/.com and choose tab Find a Doctor.
About Brownwood Regional Medical Center
Brownwood Regional Medical Center (BRMC)is a 188 bed acute care facility that has provided competent and compassionate care to the Central Texas area since 1969. Our commitment to progress in diagnosis’s and treatment options has been combined with a dedicated medical care team that is the key to our success. Our services include inpatient care, a level four emergency care department, women’s center/obstetric unit, a sleep lab center, heart center/interventional cardiology (cardiac cath lab) cardiac rehab, Walker Cancer Center radiation/medical oncology/hematology, surgical services, gastroenterology lab, outpatient services and a hospitalist program. The imaging and diagnostic services are provided in-house and in a freestanding outpatient center. We have a freestanding Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center, the BRMC Therapy Zone and four One Source Health Centers located in Brownwood-Express Care United Clinic, Early, Rising Star, & San Saba. For more information about BRMC and its services, visit BRMC-CARES.com.
