New Guidelines For Breast Cancer Genetic Testing

Although it has been known for years that family history of breast cancer risk plays a role, researchers continue to determine the size of this part.

 Increasingly, identified genes for breast cancer identified (through the known BRCA1 and BRCA2) - and it is important that women and men understand that they may be at increased risk for breast cancer if some genes have mutations.

So, how do you find yourself when you bring these specific mutated genes? Genetic tests, a simple procedure that maps a particular set of genes, followed by a genetic counseling that helps you to interpret the results of your tests.

Guidelines for determining who needs genetic testing changed on January 1, 2018. What do these new guidelines mean to you, either as a survivor or a person with breast cancer in family history?

Age at the time of diagnosis

From January 1, she was a candidate for genetic testing if she had breast cancer before age 45. or if you have been diagnosed before the age of 50 and you also have a family history of cancer.

In addition, for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer less than 50 years of age without a known family history, it is advisable to seek genetic counseling that can be evaluated.

These new guidelines have been published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the leading agency for the transformation of research into practicable oncology practices.

The NCCN provides a steady stream of up-to-date information on all cancers to oncologists, as well as recommendations based on data for treatment.

Doctors use this information to help them develop treatment plans for their patients. Therefore, changes in the NCCN guidelines are closely followed by oncologists who do their best for their patients, including Gary Schwartz, M. D., I have seen regularly since my breast cancer diagnosis in 2001.

Dr. Schwartz is not only a practical oncologist, but also an assistant professor of medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College.

 He is still investigating the current and has guided my treatment of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for nine years of hormone therapy, in addition to treating the side effects that derive from it.

When Gary speaks, I listen. As a born teacher, he is also open to questions. Then, when he suggested to our October appointment to be able to investigate genetic tests, I asked him why.

Why me?

After explaining that the NCCN models had changed and my diagnosis at the age of (family history of cancer) 47 called me for the tests, I insisted: "First I had breast cancer because I need to know not I have daughters or sisters and my mother is gone, I have only one child and her risk must be very low "

Gary replied: "Well, what about breast cancer in other breast Depending on the results of their genetic testing, you may need a prophylactic mastectomy and may even have an increased risk of ovarian cancer?".

Genetic tests can save your life

Oh, good point, I thought. While breast cancer is usually very treatable, ovarian cancer is much less treatable.

And its early symptoms are difficult to identify; Many women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer when they are very advanced.

Genetic tests tell me how serious I should be about ovarian cancer: controlling ovarian cancer or even eliminating ovaries.

Students, researchers increasingly on the relationship between genetics and cancer and genetic testing become more precise, it is for us - (p .. Former take, women Ashkenazi descent), survivors and parents survivors other genetic risk - on our behalf understand the risk of cancer.

Soon I will be genetically tested and recommended. And you?

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