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Nearly every family across America has been impacted by cancer. With the National Cancer Institute reporting more than 4,000 diseases stemming from altered genes, which are passed down from our parents, it's difficult not to wonder whether you've inherited their genetics. Fortunately, medical advances and discoveries are helping turn the table on devastating diseases, such as cancer, and increasing personal awareness.

Breakthroughs in genetics research now allow us to test for certain genes carrying cancerous mutations that can be passed down from one generation to the next - increasing the odds of offspring developing cancer. Cancer, which begins in a single-cell form, reproduces without warning because the genes that control orderly cell replication become damaged.

The Mount Auburn Hospital Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program is applying genetic discoveries to help educate their patients about their personal cancer risks. "We invite people who have breast, ovarian or colon cancer in their families to come in," says Prudence Lam, M.D., Oncologist at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. "During their session, we help patients decide if genetic testing is appropriate for them."

Genetic testing 101

Testing is as simple as using cheek cells or blood samples, as cancer mutation is in all body cells of an offspring. Although most cancers develop over time from random mutations or unknown causes and not from genetic mutations, there is still an increased risk for those with a family history, making genetic testing helpful. With the evolution of science and technology, doctors can now make more targeted screening and treatment recommendations if a genetic test result is abnormal. 

"When people come to the Mount Auburn Hospital Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program, we will go into detail about family history, potential risks and prevention. In addition, many individuals are interested in hearing what they can do in terms of diet and exercise." says Dr. Lam. "For those with an above average genetic risk profile, we always develop a plan to more closely monitor and screen them. If they have a high genetic risk, genetic testing might also be beneficial." 

Benefits of genetic testing

Having a gene mutation doesn't make getting cancer imminent, but not having a gene mutation doesn't make you exempt from getting cancer either.  However, testing provides information that can help your children monitor themselves more closely in the future as well as keep you ahead of a possible battle.

"For example, if genetic testing reveals a mutation of a certain gene, it can increase a woman's chance for acquiring breast cancer up to 85 percent and ovarian cancer up to 50 percent," says Dr. Lam. "Knowing if you have a gene mutation can help us develop a more rigorous screening and prevention plan."

Some women at a higher risk for breast cancer may qualify for tamoxifen, a medication formerly and currently used to treat breast cancer that, for the last several years, is being used to prevent the disease as well.

Mount Auburn Hospital staff provides full support - physically and emotionally. "We understand the burden that can coincide with having a high risk for cancer," says Dr. Lam. "Getting tested is a good way to be prepared. Whatever the result, we will be there to take care of you every step of the way, and together we will develop a personalized prevention and surveillance plan."

For a free breast self-exam shower card, please call us at (617) 499-5094.

Mammography, breast ultrasound, ultrasound breast biopsy and stereotactic biopsy and programs are accredited by the American College of Radiology. We are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and have a valid Certificate of Inspection.