Page 5 - Elevate Winter 2021
P. 5
CANCER KNOWLEDGE
KNOW THE ODDS THE FUTURE OF
When cancer is inherited, it’s GENETIC
due to a genetic defect called TESTING
a mutation. According to the
Genetic testing has made
American Cancer Society, giant advances in recent
between 5% and 10% of all years. Today’s tests are
more comprehensive than
cancers are inherited. ever before. We now have a
fuller understanding of how
genes affect risk. And the
benefit of cancer genetic
testing is so clear that many
insurance plans now help
cover the cost.
“I hope that genetic
testing will continue to
improve,” says Claire
Arnold, MS, CGC, licensed
genetic counselor at Atrium
Health Navicent. “That will
enable us to better assess
cancer risk and individualize
recommendations for
cancer screening and
prevention.”
at risk for cancer, you’re not left on your take action, whether that involves genetic » Results of genetic testing (if any)
own. Our genetic counselors will help you counseling, genetic testing or something else. » Type of cancer family members had
decide what to do next.
IT STARTS WITH YOU or have
You may want to undergo additional If possible, dig deeper. Ask how your
cancer screening. Earlier or more frequent Genetic counseling and testing are family member responded to treatment
screenings can help detect any cancer in amazing tools. However, they’re useless and whether or not the cancer came back.
its earliest, most treatable stages. on their own. To benefit from them, you With this information, you can enter your
have to know your family history. Not genetic counseling session with confidence,
Or you may prefer more drastic sure about your family history of cancer? ready to take control of your healthcare.
action. For some cancers, surgery Gather your family members. It’s time for “The information gleaned from genetic
can almost eliminate your risk hard conversations. testing can be life-saving,” Arnold says.
altogether. Removing the at-risk body “Learn what you can on your own and talk
part makes it much less likely that “Sometimes, family dynamics can make to your family physician. If you feel you
you’ll experience that cancer in the it difficult to have those talks,” Arnold could benefit from genetic cancer testing,
future. Chemoprevention—the use says. “Explaining the purpose behind your we’re a phone call away.”
of medications, vitamins and other questions could be helpful in encouraging
substances—can stop cancer from relatives to share information.” CALL 478-633-6270 TO LEARN MORE
growing in the first place. OR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Any information you can get about WITH A CANCER GENETIC
Regardless of what other steps you take, family members diagnosed with cancer COUNSELOR AT ATRIUM HEALTH
you should share the results with family is helpful. Basic information to seek NAVICENT.
members.This helps them understand includes:
their own risk. It also empowers them to » Approximate age at diagnosis
5WINTER 2021 | navicenthealth.org 
