[Wellness] What Women need to know about the Cancer Genes

["Karen Patterson" <Patterson@womens-wellness.com>]

Reported in Family Circle, May/1/04 issue  by Kathryn Rose Gertz:

"First consider your family history:  If two or more close female relatives
(mother, sister, daughter, maternalor paternal aunt, grandmother or first
cousin) have had breast cancer before age 50, ovarian cancer at any age or
both breast and ovarian cancer, a strong possibility exists that your family
may be transmitting one of these mutations.  If there are men in the family
with breast cancer, that too may raise the suspicion that a genetic flaw is
present.

Consult with a genetic counselor who is a member of the National Society of
Genetic Counselors.  Because the issues are complex, doctors generally
recommend that you do this before being tested.  A genetic counselor will
help you assess your hereditary risk factors and guide you in evaluating the
benefits and ilimitations of being tested.  She will also offer personalized
screening recommendations and referrals and provide information about
confidentiality and medical insurance coverage.  If you opt for testing and
you do indeed have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation predisposing you to
ovarian cancer, the counselor and a physician specialist will meet with you
in a follow-up session to discuss your results and help you sort out your
options.

To find a certified genetic counselor in your area contact:
	The National Society of Genetic Counselors:  www.nsgc.org  610-872-7608
	The National Cancer Institute:  www.nci.nhi.org  800-422-6237

For information about all aspects of ovarian cancer, contact:
	The American Cancer Society:  www.cancer.org  800-227-2345
	National Ovarian Cancer Coalition:  www.ovarian.org  888-682-7426
	FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered):  www.facingourrisk.org

FORCE is a national nonprofit internet-based advocacy and support group for
women at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.  Kathy Schneider,
past president of the national Society of Genetic Counselors, call FORCE
'Head of the list for comprehensive information.  This is an excellent,
doctor-supported and peer-friendly guide providing information on evaluating
you risk, insurance and jprivacy issues, fertility issues, current news and
much more.  It also provides links to every imaginable service covering most
every concern.  In addition, FORCE, in conjunction with the Abramson Cancer
Center at the University of Pennsylvania, has established the country's
first peer-support helpline.  The toll-free helpline can be reached by
calling 866-824-RISK (7475)



Knowledge is patient power--empower yourself and control your whole
wellness,
My best,
Karen Patterson, Founder of Womens-Wellness.com and a breast cancer survivor




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