Categories Genetic Testing
Search Results for Categories Genetic Testing page 6
Relevance: Medium-High
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with early stage breast cancer
Study: Gaps in genetic testing and decision-making for women with early-stage breast cancer
Genetic testing for cancer risk is now more affordable and easier to obtain. As a result, many breast cancer patients are tested without ever seeing a genetic counselor. Genetic testing results affect treatment decision making, but they can be confusing, especially if patients do not receive genetic counseling. This study looks at breast cancer patients’ experiences following genetic testing and how testing results affect surgical decision making. (7/14/17)
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Relevance: High
Most relevant for: Women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer
Study: Patient experiences with genetic testing
Patients can now find out if they have a mutation in more than 20 different genes that are associated with cancer risk, thanks to research advances and the decreasing cost of genetic testing. However, patients’ experiences and use of genetic counseling and testing with these changes are unknown. Do patients want genetic testing? Are they getting tested? (3/7/17)
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Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: People interested in genetic testing for an inherited mutation
Study: Angelina Jolie spoke out on BRCA testing: Did genetic testing increase?
Angelina Jolie published an editorial in the New York Times in 2013 about her choice to have a double mastectomy after finding out she was positive for a BRCA1 mutation. Researchers from a recent study claim that her celebrity endorsement of BRCA testing may have missed its target audience (previvors), due to the increase in BRCA testing following publication of the editorial but a decrease in the number of mastectomies performed. However, the study failed to take into account that many women without breast cancer do not pursue mastectomy in the months following genetic testing. (1/4/17)
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Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: People considering genetic testing and people who are Ashkenazi Jewish
Personal Story: Why one woman passed on genetic testing
What are reasons to get or not get genetic testing? Cynthia Graber gives her thoughts on the matter in her Wired opinion piece, "Why I Won't Get the Genetic Test for Breast Cancer." (11/15/16)
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Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: Women from a family with a known BRCA mutation who tested negative for the mutation in the family
Study: Is breast cancer risk increased in women who test negative for the BRCA mutation in their family?
Some women who do not carry a BRCA mutation, but come from a BRCA-positive family, still develop breast cancer. This research examines whether these women are at higher risk for breast cancer, or whether their risk is similar to women in the general population. (4/19/16)
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Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with breast cancer
Article: New York Times report demonstrates need for genetic counseling, but doesn’t give the whole story
A New York Times report discussed how genetic testing could provide “grim data” without guidance for patients. While this is a valid concern, this report does not sufficiently emphasize certain important issues regarding genetic testing, particularly the need for genetic counseling by a health care provider with expertise in genetics before and after genetic testing. (4/5/16)
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Relevance: Medium-High
Most relevant for: Young women diagnosed with breast cancer who have not yet had genetic testing
Study: BRCA testing in young women with breast cancer
National guidelines recommend genetic testing for BRCA mutations in young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. However, little is known about how women decide to get testing, or how they use genetic information to decide on treatment options. This study found that genetic testing is increasing among young breast cancer survivors, and it explores some of the factors that play into patients’ decision making about genetic testing. (3/22/16)
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Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: People diagnosed with cancer
Study: What are the genetics underlying 12 different cancer types?
As gene sequencing has become more affordable, researchers and health care providers are now looking for mutations in many genes beyond BRCA1, BRCA2 and others that are associated with known hereditary cancer syndromes. By sequencing thousands of genes rather than just one or two, researchers can better understand which inherited mutations affect cancer risk. In this study, researchers sequenced thousands of genes in patients with one of 12 cancers, including breast, and catalogued which gene mutations are most commonly found in each cancer. (03/01/16)
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Relevance: Medium
Most relevant for: Survivors of childhood cancer and people with a family history of relatives diagnosed with childhood cancers
Study: How many children with cancer have mutations in genes that increase cancer risk?
Many genes are associated with increased cancer risk in adults, but it is unclear how common these mutations are in children with cancer. This study found that about 9% of children with cancer carry mutations in a gene that is known to increase cancer risk. Over half of the mutations were in the TP53 gene, which is associated with increased cancer risk at a young age and increased risk of breast cancer in adults. (12/15/2015)
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Relevance: Low
Most relevant for: Because this video is full of medical misinformation, it is not relevant for anyone making healthcare decisions
Article: What “The Truth About Cancer” got wrong about BRCA mutations and cancer
A website called thetruthaboutcancer.com, created a 9-part docu-series titled “The Truth About Cancer: A Global Quest” (TACGQ). The video states that Angelina Jolie’s decision to remove her breasts was one made out of fear; one commentator states that her decision was “barbaric." This video contains a lot of dangerous misinformation about BRCA mutations and inherited cancer. FORCE XRAYS provides the following point-by-point analysis on "The Truth About Cancer." (11/10/2015)
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