Genetics

Cathy Belt, RN, MSN, AOCN, Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, discusses possible steps individuals can take upon finding out they have an inherited cancer syndrome, such as mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

With approximately 5% to 10% of cancers attributable to a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome, identifying those patients with cancer who are at risk has significant benefit both to patients and their relatives.

Ignacio I. Wistuba, MD, chair of the department of Translational Molecular Pathologies at MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the role nurses play in the field of molecular testing.

What do patients think about being tested for many genes that may impact their hereditary risk for breast or ovarian cancer, beyond the well-known BRCA mutations?

A study involving women with a BRCA mutation who had risk-reducing surgery to lower their risk of breast and/or ovarian cancer found that many of these individuals have surgical procedures such as oophorectomy or mastectomy without a full understanding of how they will affect their sexuality and other aspects of their lives.

​Mark E. Robson, MD, Clinical Director of the Clinical Genetics Services at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses when it is appropriate to go for genetic testing to determine cancer risk.

Debu Tripathy, MD, chair of the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the potential for using breast cancer tumor DNA to make treatment decisions.

National guidelines recommend that women with a personal history of ovarian cancer be tested for the BRCA mutation. Approximately 1.3% of women will develop ovarian cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, but that risk increases to an estimated 39% in women with the BRCA1 mutation and 11% to 17% in women who inherit the BRCA2 mutation.

Young black women with breast cancer are much less likely to have BRCA testing or, if they carry a BRCA mutation, to undergo risk-reducing prophylactic mastectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy.

Chest radiation to treat a pediatric cancer is a well-known risk factor for getting breast cancer in adulthood, and research has now unearthed two specific genetic variants which may help to identify those survivors who are most at risk.

Debu Tripathy, MD, chair of the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses genetic risk for breast cancer, the strongest factor in determining if an individual will develop the disease.

Study finds that genetic counseling before genetic testing provides greater knowledge and satisfaction with the process.

Richard Joseph, MD, an oncologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses mucosal melanoma.

As genetic testing becomes increasingly available, there will be a growing gap between the wide availability of testing and the relative importance of results to treatment decisions. In the current environment, there's more promise in precision medicine than practical applications in the exam room.

ASCO issues updated statement on its use and healthcare provider education.

Genetic counseling before BRCA genetic testing improves patient knowledge, understanding, and satisfaction. However, a new analysis has found that most women undergoing BRCA genetic testing did not receive counseling prior to testing, despite national guidelines and recommendations.

Young black women have a higher prevalence of BRCA mutations compared with that previously reported among non-Hispanic white women, placing these women at a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Rebecca Sutphen, MD, from the University of South Florida, discusses the importance of connecting patients with clinical trials.

Like many advocates of a cause, Amy Byer Shainman's passion came from a place of frustration.

Frederic C. Kass, MD, discusses the importance of genetic counseling in oncology.

Kenneth Freundlich, neuropsychologist, Morris Psychological Group, Parsippany, NJ, discusses the need to support patients with hereditary cancers.

Jennifer Klemp, PhD, MPH, director, Breast Cancer Survivorship Center, The University of Kansas Cancer Center, discusses how to talk to a patient about genetics and cancer risk.

The abundance of new genetic tests, while beneficial in many ways, also has limitations.

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD, FACOG, discusses important considerations for previvors in addressing menopausal symptoms.

Jill Stopfer, MS, CGC, Senior Genetic Counselor, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, discusses the benefits of multigene panel testing.

Mary B. Daly, MD, PhD, from Fox Chase Cancer Center, discusses the proper timing for screening patients with a family history of cancer.

Kara Maxwell, MD, PhD, instructor, medical oncologist, Basser Research Center for BRCA, University of Pennsylvania, discusses the need to personalize the treatment of breast cancer.

Alice S. Kerber, MN, APRN, ACNS-BC, AOCN, APNG, Oncology Nurse Specialist, Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education, provides advice on discussing cancer genetics with patients.

Clinicians and the public need to be aware that being positive for BRCA mutations has consequences for men and their families, too.

Women who are at high risk of ovarian cancer are more likely to undergo preventive ovary removal if they are proactively offered genetic counseling, a new study has found.