In addition to predicting risk of cancer, genes can also make a difference in treating cancer
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Many factors play into why cancer develops, both known and unknown.
For some people, family history plays a role, yet only 5 to 10% of cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations, according to the American Cancer Society. Other health factors, such as obesity, diet, exercise and stress management make a difference as do environmental influences, including radiation, certain chemicals, tobacco use and smog exposure.
The American Cancer Society recommends exploring genetic testing for people who have a strong family history of certain types of cancer, those already diagnosed with cancer (especially if it appears an inherited mutation could have caused it), and people whose family members have a known inherited gene mutation.
A lack of a gene mutation does not meant cancer cannot occur.
“We often talk with women on knowing their history and knowing their genetics, but a family history doesn’t preclude you from having breast cancer,” said Andrea Moran, executive director of the Upstate New York affiliate of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. “They may say, ‘No one ever had it in my family history’ or ‘It doesn’t show up in my genetic testing,’ but that doesn’t mean you should take your eye off regular screening, at home breast care and mammograms.”
She encourages people to “know your normal” when it comes to their own bodies.
Whether it is the breasts or other areas of the body, “if you see something abnormal, that should prompt a call to a provider,” Moran said.
For those who undergo genetic testing, it is important to understand how a mutated cancer risk gene, such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or Chek2 for breast cancer, can raise risk for other areas of the body.
“With the BRCA1 or 2 gene, you’re at high risk for ovarian cancer,” said Cara Cappello, founder of Breast Previvors ROC, a group for women who choose prophylactic mastectomy.
About 44% of females with a BRCA1 and 17% of those with BRCA2 mutation will have ovarian cancer by age 80, according to www.cancercenter.com.
The “previvors” in Capello’s group “carry a strong predisposition to cancer,” Cappello said.
She encourages people with cancer gene mutations to remain vigilant about their health and to ask their providers about other screenings and preemptive measures they may need.
Most insurance companies cover genetic testing for people with enough risk factors. The testing can reveal if they carry genes that raise their lifetime risk of cancer or if wait-and-see is a reasonable approach.
While preemptive surgery is not easy, it virtually eliminates the risk of ever needing cancer treatments for that type of cancer. Patients are essentially consenting to surgery now to avoid the great likelihood of surgery plus chemotherapy and/or radiation later.
People with genetic predisposition to certain types of cancer must also determine how preemptive surgery would affect other areas of life. A young adult who has not yet had children may want to delay surgery that would affect fertility, for example, compared with someone who has already had a family.
Capello said that because she carries the Chek2 mutation, she has an elevated risk for colon cancer, in addition to the 46% risk of breast cancer which her surgery mitigated. Knowing her elevated risk causes her to receive earlier and more regular colonoscopies.
“Insurance now pays for them for age 45 if you have a predisposition,” she said.
Instead of paying for frequent rounds of imagery, insurance companies are usually more ready to pay for preemptive surgery and reconstruction for patients with high risk cancer gene mutations.
In addition to predicting risk of cancer, genes can also make a difference in treating cancer.
Physician Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer with the American Lung Association, said that in the past five to 10 years, “there are at least 20 new drugs targeting mutations.”
The cancer treatment is most effective if begun with an early diagnosis.
“It’s probably more relevant in lung cancer because that’s where the genetic markers have been identified,” Rizzo added. “It’s part of the discussion when you talk with an oncologist. One question is, ‘Will my treatment change if we do genetic testing?’ They may give good reasons as to why they don’t want to do genetic testing. It may depend on the stage of the cancer or comorbidity of the patient.”
Cancer at a Glance
• This year alone, breast cancer is estimated to be diagnosed in more than 252,000 women.
• Of those 252,000 women, an estimated 12,600 to 25,200 have a BRCA mutation.
• If you have a BRCA1 mutation, you have an estimated 72% chance of developing breast cancer by age 80. If you have a BRCA2 mutation, you have an estimated 69% chance of developing breast cancer by age 80.
• 100% of patients with ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancers should consider genetic testing.
• One in 10 breast cancers have hereditary causes
• One in six patients with prostate cancer have a germline variant (gene variation)
• One in five patients with pancreatic cancer have a germline variant.
Source: BeBRCAware.com and www.invitae.com.
Photo: Cara Cappello, founder of Breast Previvors ROC, a group for women who choose prophylactic mastectomy. The “previvors” in Capello’s group “carry a strong predisposition to cancer,” Cappello says.