Local News
Are You At High Risk For Cancer? New Gene Test Finds Out
NewsChannel10.com, (Website of KFDA-TV), Amarillo
09/19/2011
Amarillo, Texas -
Imagine being able to change your own health destiny. A new cancer gene
test that helps make that possible. A simple blood test can tell you if you're
at risk of breast or ovarian cancer. It detects the BRCA gene. There are
certain groups of people doctors say should get this test, because chances are
good you carry the gene. You fall into that category if anyone in your family
has had anything on this list:
Breast cancer before age 50
Ovarian cancer at any age
Bilateral breast cancer
Both breast and ovarian cancer diagnosed in the same person
Male breast cancer at any age
Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with breast or ovarian cancer at any age
Testing positive for the gene doesn't mean you'll absolutely get cancer, but it
does mean your chances of getting it are increased significantly. Dr. Srini
Reddy with Texas Oncology says, "Normal woman in their lifetime has a risk
of about 12%. People who carry the BRCA 1 and 2 gene mutations, their risk is
anywhere between 50 to 85% of getting breast cancer. Knowing you're at a
greater risk allows your doctor to be more proactive in cancer screenings and
early prevention.
There is also a genetic test
for colon cancer. Doctors suggest getting tested if anyone in your family
has had colorectal cancer before age 50, endometrial cancer before
age 50, or if there have been 2 or more Lynch syndrome cancers
in the same person or family.
The tests cost several thousand
dollars, but is usually covered by insurance.
For more information, call Texas
Oncology at 358-8654.
http://www.newschannel10.com/story/15499646/new-gene-test-identifies-cancer-risk