Oncology patients with a high incidence of cancer in their family may have the tools to provide future generations with the knowledge of prevention, thanks to genetic testing offered at St. Mary’s Hospital.
In certain instances, Dr. Amir Khan, medical director of the hospital’s Cancer Care and Infusion Services, can provide genetic testing for breast, ovarian and colon cancers. Dr. Khan said most cancers are sporadic, meaning they are dependent on factors such as diet and tobacco usage or exposure, not heredity. But, he said, less than 5 percent of the 1.5 million annual new cancer cases nationally are based on heredity, predominantly breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers.
The genetic test involves a simple blood test to detect the gene. If the patient is a carrier of the gene, then his or her family members can also test to see if they carry the gene. In breast and ovarian cancers, the presence of the gene may mean the individual has up to an 85 percent chance (in breast cancer) or 45 percent chance (in ovarian cancer) of developing the respective cancer by age 70. This knowledge will provide options to the individual to either do close monitoring or make a surgical decision to remove the areas where cancer may develop.
“The only way you will find out about the gene is if you investigate it,” said Dr. Khan.
Individuals carrying the gene for certain types of colorectal cancer can also develop cancer of the uterus, ovary and stomach in addition to colorectal cancer. Like breast cancer, 10 percent to 30 percent of colorectal cancer patients may have familial clustering with an unknown genetic abnormality.
Dr. Khan said ultimately prevention is the key and patients should do their homework. He said it is essential that a patient tells a physician his or her ethnic background and does research on his or her family’s medical history. As for a physician’s role, “nothing will happen until you think and you order,” he said.
If you have a family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer and you or a relative currently have cancer, genetic testing might be right for you or your family members. To learn more about genetic testing, contact St. Mary’s Hospital’s Cancer Care and Infusion Services at (301) 475-6070.