Genetic testing for breast cancer on the rise

This year, 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.

With October being breast cancer awareness month, the Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center is reminding the community to be conscious of its health, as breast cancer is one of the top three cancers seen at the hospital.

"It's the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women," said Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center Manager Rhonda McCammack.

This year more than ever has increased awareness of breast cancer in large part to the very public news of Angelina Jolie, who revealed she had her breasts removed after discovering she had the breast cancer gene.

Since the news of Jolie's actions many women are looking toward their health professionals for genetic testing, which can be extremely beneficial.

According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, genetic testing gives people the chance to learn if their family history of breast cancer is due to an inherited gene mutation. Five to 10 percent of breast cancers in the United States are linked to an inherited genetic mutation.

The testing looks for genes identified as BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 that mark an increased risk of developing breast cancer, up to 50 to 80 percent. The results of these tests are used to determine treatment options in patients already diagnosed with breast cancer and to help those not yet diagnosed with cancer to consider preventative treatment options.

The test itself requires just a blood sample and is recommended for those with a personal history of breast cancer at age 50 or younger, a personal history of triple negative breast cancer, a family history of male breast cancer, a personal or family history of cancer in both breasts, a personal or family history of ovarian cancer and a family member diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 or younger.

Results from the test show whether there is a mutation related to cancer in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. There are three possible results, no mutation, a mutation linked to cancer or a mutation not currently known to increase breast cancer risk.

And although, this testing is extremely beneficial, women are also reminded that their yearly mammograms and self-checks are just as important.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and it takes about five to 10 minutes to complete. The test itself is a series of four X-rays with minimal pain from the compression of the breast between two plastic plates. It uses very little radiation and is extremely accurate.

"If you have an increased risk you should talk to your doctor and begin yearly mammograms (before age 40)," McCammack said. "It's also important that you know your own breast by doing self breast exams each month. Early detection improves your chances for recovery."

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes.

Mammograms are essential to women's health because they show signs of cancer before a doctor or nurse can feel it physically.

"We still don't know what causes breast cancer, but we do know what can improve a woman's chances for beating this disease: Early detection," the American Cancer Society says. "Finding breast cancer early can save your life. So, get a mammogram every year starting at the age of 40."

Finding the cancer early increases one's chance of beating it. It allows for a wider range of treatments, which may or may not include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and hormone therapy, all of which are offered at the Putnam County Hospital, besides radiation treatment.

And although there are other detection methods such as an MRI, mammography remains the best available method to detect breast cancer early.

All insurance companies should pay for all or at least part of the mammogram cost. Medicare and Medicaid also cover the cost of the mammogram testing along with most private insurance companies.

Those being tested should not wear any deodorant, powder or cream under their arms the day of the mammogram. Some contain substances that can interfere with the reading by appearing on the X-ray.

It is advised to only receive a mammogram from a facility such as the Putnam County Hospital that is FDA accredited and specializes in mammograms.

To schedule a mammogram call 658-2760 or for more information on the Cancer Center 655-2581.