Actress Angelina Jolie stunned the world with her decision to have a preventive double mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. “I hope that other women can benefit from my experience,” wrote Jolie. “Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness.” But for Jolie, and many others, getting genetic testing and taking action may offer control and comfort.
How do you know if genetic testing is right for you? Tiffany Svahn, MD, a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer with Diablo Valley Oncology talks about BRCA testing, family history, cancer risk and preventive options for breast and ovarian cancer with her patients. “It’s a simple enough blood test to perform,” states Dr. Svahn, “and I strongly recommend it be done in conjunction with genetic counseling. But not everyone is a candidate for being tested for these genes – there are very specific guidelines for who should be tested.”
Dr. Svahn first recommends assessing where in life you are when you learn you have the mutation. Have you had children? Do you have a partner yet? Are you finished with your family? Have you seen cancer up close? Next, she recommends having a thorough discussion of all medical options to be considered including:
- A careful and aggressive monitoring program utilizing mammogram and breast MRI and self breast exam on a regular basis
- Breast surgery to reduce risk
- Remove ovaries which can often lower breast cancer risk
- Medications that can reduce the risk of breast cancer
If you decide genetic testing is something you want to do, it is best to contact your primary care provider or gynecologist who can refer you to a genetic counselor. “My goal is to do everything I can to make patient’s life better, even if they have to deal with a difficult diagnosis”, says Dr. Svahn.
Tiffany Svahn, MD is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. Dr. Svahn specializes in breast cancer. Diablo Valley Oncology’s comprehensive cancer center is located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. For more information call 925-677-5041.
