New breast cancer prevention options: Is genetic testing right for you?

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 increased risks for certain diseases. Recent medical news has focused on the BRCA genes and their role in increased cancer risks.

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 is important to keep in mind that gene mutations are only a small part of the breast cancer story,” said Dr. Berniece Redmond, Mary Black Physicians Group Obstetrics and Gynecology.  “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. Redmond.  “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 available to all those who meet criteria for testing.”

If you meet the criteria set by the USPSTF, talk with your doctor about the best prevention and genetic testing for you. Dr. Redmond is a physician with expertise in genetic testing for women’s health issues. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Redmond please call (864) 253-8120 or schedule online at www.maryblackphysicians.com/ob-gyn.

About Mary Black Health System

Mary Black Health System LLC is a healthcare delivery system comprised of Mary Black Health System – Spartanburg, Mary Black Health System – Gaffney, Mary Black Physicians Group, and Mary Black Health Network, Inc. The combined organization has 332 licensed beds, more than 1,400 employees and more than 400 physicians on medical staff. Providing healthcare services to Upstate residents for more than 90 years, Mary Black Health System – Spartanburg’s acute care hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, The Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (Chest Pain Accreditation), and is a certified Stroke Center. It features surgical suites, a warm and inviting Family Birthing Center, nationally credentialed (CARF) Inpatient Rehabilitation, a 24-bed Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Geriatric Psychiatric Services, a Joint Care Program, Cardiology and a Sleep Center. Outpatient services include Radiology, Endoscopy Center, a Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center, Rehabilitation Services and Women’s Breast Health Center featuring same-day digital mammography and bone density testing. We are a patient-centered, professional, highly skilled healthcare system that provides a continuum of care through the dedicated work of our nurses, staff and volunteers. For additional information, visit MaryBlackHealthSystem.com