Do you carry cancer genetic mutations?

A recent study published in JAMA found that up to 5% of Americans carry genetic mutations linked to an increased cancer risk, regardless of personal or family history of cancer.  

The research team analyzed the health records and genetic sequencing data from the NIH’s All of Us Research Program and found, of the 400,000 people in the database, approximately 20,000 people carried genetic variants of at least one of the 70 common cancer-related genes. 

Genetic testing can help you understand your risk of developing cancer in the future, which can help ease worries and allow for proactive decision-making. 

“Genetic testing is typically reserved for those who have been diagnosed with cancer or are at the highest risk of developing cancer,” says Dr. Mylene Remo, an oncologist at Advocate Health Care. “These findings tell us that we can’t screen based on assumptions of lifestyle or family history. It’s important to meet with a genetic counselor to help with making the decision to pursue genetic testing.” 

Genetic counseling for cancer 

Genetic counseling helps give you and your family necessary information to make the best decision for your health. Typically, it involves screening for cancer and genetic testing for certain gene mutations. 

Once you go through genetic testing, your genetic counselor can help you identify: 

• Which cancers you’re at a higher risk of developing due to family history 
• Actions you can take to lower your cancer risk
• A full overview of what your test results indicate

Benefits of genetic testing

Screening and genetic testing for cancer have a slew of benefits, one of the most important being early detection. You might want to consider getting genetic counseling for several reasons, including: 

• A strong family history of certain cancers, like breast or ovarian cancer 
• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with breast, ovarian, colon or pancreatic cancer 
• A previous cancer diagnosis
• Bilateral cancer in paired organs (breasts, eyes or kidneys) 
• A personal or family history of a rare cancer diagnosis, such as male breast cancer 
• You had more than one childhood cancer, like sarcoma or leukemia 
• You have a family member with a known gene mutation, like BRCA

“Early detection is still the name of the game,” says Dr. Remo. “If anything, I hope these findings encourage more regular screenings and an increase in proactive care.” 

Are you trying to find a cancer expert? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.