All cancers develop because something has gone wrong with one or more of the genes in a cell. Some of these gene changes happen during our lives; for example, as we get older because of something we are exposed to, such as cigarette smoke or UV rays. Gene changes like these, from carcinogens, cannot be inherited.

While most cancers develop because of change and our environment, genetics can play a role as well. Some cancers develop because of certain inherited ‘cancer’ genes, which can be passed down to children. Some people with cancer in the family worry that they are at a greater risk of getting cancer.

Genetic Testing

For patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer, and have a family history of cancer, genetic counseling may help identify you as a specific “cancer gene” carrier. In some cases genetic counseling may provide you with information regarding your chance of developing other types of cancer.

Genetic counseling will help your family members understand their risk of developing cancer, and will teach them not only how to reduce risks, but also identify surveillance strategies. If you are concerned about your family’s pattern of disease, cancer you’ve had in the past, or other cancer risk factors, you may want to talk to your doctor about whether to have genetic testing. Community Care Physicians offers genetic testing and counseling at multiple locations.

Genetic testing is a personal decision. If you have any of the following, you might consider genetic testing for yourself:

  • Several first-degree relatives (mother, father, sisters, brothers, children) with cancer, especially if they’ve had the same type of cancer
  • A family history of cancers that are sometimes linked to a single gene mutation, such as breast and ovarian cancer
  • Family members who had cancer at a younger age than normal for that type of cancer
  • Close relatives with rare cancers that are linked to inherited cancer syndromes
  • A physical finding that is linked to an inherited cancer (such as having many colon polyps)
  • A known genetic mutation in one or more family members who have already had genetic testing

The Gail Model

There is a formula available called the Gail model that helps put a number value on a woman’s breast cancer risk. One of the elements in the calculation has to do with the number of first degree relatives who have had breast cancer. First degree relatives would be mothers, sisters and daughters. This number is then entered into the formula along with other parameters and the program gives a percentage number of the risk.

Your Family History

If there appears to be a number of relatives with breast cancer and they are particularly young or if the patient herself is young (under fifty) we may be dealing with specific mutations known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins, which help repair damaged DNA. These proteins help ensure the stability of the genetic material of cells. When either of these genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, are mutated, cancer may develop.

Specific inherited mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 tend to increase the risk of female breast and ovarian cancers. About 12% of women of the general population will develop breast cancer sometime during their lives. However, according to the most recent estimates, 65% of women who inherit a BRCA1 mutation and about 45% of women who inherit a BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by the age of 70.

Many people decide to learn whether or not they have an abnormal gene that is linked to higher breast cancer risk. A genetic test involves giving a blood sample that can be analyzed to pick up any abnormalities in these genes. Community Care Physicians has genetic counselors available to you to review the benefits and risks of genetic testing and to answer any questions you may have.

Genetic Counseling

Upstate Hematology Oncology and The Ferre Institute

Upstate Hematology Oncology has invited the Ferre Institute to provide genetic counseling to our patients and their families in our office on a regular basis. The Ferre Institute’s genetic counseling program has been recognized nationally for its innovative approach to providing “community genetics”. It is the only genetic counselor assigned to the Albany, NY area.

Ferre’s genetic counselors help patients, their families and medical providers understand the very complicated science of genetics as it applies to them and their decisions. A genetic counselor will meet with you, take an indepth family and personal history, perform the genetic testing and then explain the results and implications to you and your family.

Please contact Upstate Hematology Oncology for more information.

View UHO Website

Capital Region Women’s Care

The physicians at Capital Region Women’s Care offer genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer using BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce proteins that product tumor suppressor proteins, which help repair damaged DNA. These proteins help ensure the stability of the genetic material of cells. When either of these genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, are mutated, cancer may develop. Specific inherited mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 tend to increase the risk of female breast and ovarian cancers. For a woman who chooses to undergo BRCA1/2 testing, counseling can help her better understand the meaning of her test results.

Although hereditary risk assessment and genetic testing cannot predict whether you will actually develop cancer, understanding your risk for developing the disease can be an important step in making lifestyle decisions including regular screenings that can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Schedule an appointment with Capital Region Women’s Care or call for additional information about genetic testing and if you are a candidate.

View Capital Region Women’s Care Website