Patient Story: Jennifer Oncology Genetic Counseling: Is Cancer in your Genes?
Erin Campbell, MS, CGC and Jennifer Rolen. Photographed by John Black.
While some of the first genes associated with cancer risk were identified in the early 90s, great strides have been made in the identification of genes associated with cancer risk in the last 30 years. There have also been significant improvements in the technology available for genetic testing and treatment related to these mutations. Initially, testing was performed to identify a reason why cancer was happening in a family. However, hereditary genetic testing has become a more integral part of cancer care. We now know that genetic testing results can impact the type of surgery a patient undergoes as a part of their cancer treatment, as well as the types of therapy a patient might receive. As highlighted in the feature on High-Risk Gastrointestinal Surveillance Clinic (p. 24), results can also greatly impact a personalized care plan to manage future cancer risk. Genetic testing with a genetic counselor at the University Genetics Oncology Clinic can be a powerful tool for personalizing medical care. A genetic counselor is a specialized medical professional who offers support through genetic counseling. Genetic counseling is a process of providing information and support about genetics and inherited conditions to an individual or family. The goal of
Cancer is a common disease, and, in most cases, it isn’t hereditary. However, for some families it feels inevitable. For Jennifer Rolen, cancer seemed inescapable. “My mother’s side of the family has a history of women who have had ovarian or breast cancers,” she said. This family history led Jennifer’s mother to pursue genetic testing and receive a diagnosis of a BRCA2 mutation. Before her mother’s death, Jennifer’s mother, gynecologist and primary care provider encouraged Jennifer to pursue genetic testing. “I was afraid to do it. I didn’t know if I wanted to find out whether I had won or lost the ‘genetic lottery,’” she said. However, she bravely scheduled a consultation with Erin Campbell, Oncology Genetic Counselor at the University Genetics Oncology Clinic, to discuss her options in more detail. Approximately 10 percent of cancer diagnoses are due to an inherited genetic mutation, like the BRCA2 mutation in Jennifer’s family. People who inherit one of these gene changes will have a higher risk of developing cancer at some point in their life. Genetic counseling can help people understand this risk.
| Cancer Institute Annual Report 14
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