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Baptist Offers Free Genetic Counseling for Patients With Potential Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Contact: Robby Channell, 601-968-5135 rchannell@mbhs.org Jackson, Miss. – November 8, 2006 – Genetic counseling, available free of charge at the Hederman Cancer Center, can determine which patients may benefit from genetic testing for Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome. The test, called BRCA analysis, identifies patients who have inherited a high risk for breast and ovarian cancers, giving them the opportunity to avoid these diseases by taking early and appropriate medical measures. Most insurance companies pay 80-100% for the testing. “We help doctors identify those who are appropriate for genetic testing,” says Mary Ellen Yarbrough, RN, MSN, Director of Oncology Clinical Services at Baptist and a certified Breast Cancer High Risk Educator. “Physicians don’t have to collect a complete family history to determine who should be tested--we do that for them. All a physician or a patient has to do is call me to set up the appointment for genetic counseling.” Generally speaking, according to Yarbrough, people who have a personal diagnosis or a close family member with a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer at a young age should be tested. The key is diagnosis at an early age, in the 30s or 40s. “It’s very important for the appropriate patients to get genetic testing,” agrees oncologist Gerry Ann Houston, MD, Medical Director of the Baptist Breast Health Center. “If the patient tests positive for the genetic mutation, it gives them the opportunity to begin appropriate measures to reduce their risk. People with this genetic mutation have a significantly higher risk than the general population of developing these diseases.” Genetic testing for patients with possible HBOC syndrome involves analysis that looks for mutations in the tumor suppressor genes labeled BRCA1 and BRCA2. Tumor suppressor genes reduce the probability that a cell will turn into a tumor cell. A mutation or deletion of this type of gene increases the probability that a tumor may form. HBOC syndrome is autosomal dominant, which means that both men and women can inherit and pass along the genetic mutation. It only takes one altered breast cancer gene to cause the increased likelihood for developing cancer. According to Dr. Houston, the instances of BRCA mutations are higher in women with breast cancer at a young age and: For the general population, a person’s risk for breast cancer by the age of 50 is 2%; for those with the BRCA mutation, that risk jumps to 33-50%. The general population risk for breast cancer by age 70 increases to 7%, but for those with the genetic mutation it is a staggering 56-87%. Statistics regarding ovarian cancer are equally grim; the general population risk for ovarian cancer by age 70 is less than 2%. However, those who carry the mutated BRCA gene, the risk is 27-44%. For male breast cancer, the general risk is miniscule at .05%, but for men with the BRCA mutation, the risk increases to 6%. Baptist charges the patient nothing for the consultation and the blood draw necessary for testing. “This is a courtesy service we provide for our physicians to make it available for their patients,” says Yarbrough. Myriad Genetic Laboratories in Salt Lake City, Utah, does the test. After a genetic consultation is scheduled, Yarbrough meets with the patient to go over the program and answer any questions. She also takes insurance information to assist the patient with pre-certification. According to Yarbrough, Myriad’s charge for the test is $3,100. “Most insurance companies pay 80 to 100% of it,” she said. “Baptist pre-certifies people for the test so the patient will know up front what their responsibility will be before the test is done and can decide if they want to proceed.” Myriad contacts the person directly to let them know what their financial responsibility will be. If the patient decides to have the test done, he or she comes to the Hederman Cancer Center for a blood draw. The blood is sent by Federal Express to Myriad for the testing. Results are generally back in four weeks. When they arrive, Yarbrough calls the patient’s physician with the results. According to Dr. Houston, medical management of women who test positive for the genetic mutation generally includes one of three options: “Which of those three options to choose is really dependent on the patient’s personal preference,” says Dr. Houston. “However, if a patient tests positive for the genetic mutation, close family members (such as mother, sister, brother, daughter, son) should also consider being tested,” Dr. Houston advises. “If a female family member also has the mutated gene, it increases her risk of breast or ovarian cancer; and if a male family member is positive, prostate cancer risk is increased. Additionally, they may pass the genetic risk on to any children they may have.” A patient diagnosed with breast cancer who also has the mutated gene has a higher risk for recurrent breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Psychologist Dr. Bufkin Moore is available to assist patients who may be struggling with concerns regarding genetic testing. “What I usually see in these patients is anxiety related to testing,” he said. “Sometimes denial is an issue that needs to be addressed. I try to help normalize their fear and worry and manage any anxieties they may have. If a patient is in denial, they need to develop an appropriate concern or respect for the information. I also help them develop a plan of what to do with For more information about genetic counseling, contact the Baptist Health Line at 601-948-6262 or 1-800-948-6262. :: Learn about other programs offered at Baptist Cancer Services. |
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