When it comes to breast cancer, early detection has long been the focus. But as science evolves, prevention is becoming more personal guided not just by mammograms, but by our DNA.<\/p>\n
At UConn Health\u2019s Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jennifer Stroop and Connor Linehan, board certified genetic counselors are helping patients better understand their risk for breast cancer through genetic testing, a field that has grown dramatically in both accuracy and accessibility over the past decade.<\/p>\n
\u201cGenetic testing doesn\u2019t predict your future,\u201d says Stroop, \u201cbut it helps you make informed choices today. The more we know about your personal and family history, the more we can tailor screening and prevention to fit your risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
While genetic testing for breast cancer risk isn\u2019t new, the scope of what experts can now look for has changed significantly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are currently 13 genes known to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer,\u201d explains Stroop. \u201cWhat\u2019s new is that major organizations like the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) are now encouraging broader genetic panels to include all of these genes.\u201d<\/p>\n
These updated recommendations, along with improved insurance coverage, have made testing more common and more comprehensive. It\u2019s also prompted many people who had genetic testing prior to 2013 when only a few genes were included to return for what\u2019s called updated genetic testing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re still seeing patients who had testing before 2013,\u201d says Stroop. \u201cThose earlier tests were relatively limited, so we\u2019re encouraging people seen roughly ten years ago or more to follow up with their providers about the option of updated testing.<\/p>\n
Genetic testing isn\u2019t for everyone, but certain family and personal history factors can raise concern.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s a close relative diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50, or if there are three or more relatives with breast cancer at any age, those are strong indicators that genetic testing might be useful,\u201d says Stroop. \u201cPancreatic, ovarian and prostate cancers can also indicate possible risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additional factors such as breast density, age at first period, and reproductive history are also part of the overall risk assessment. Many patients are referred for testing after completing a family history questionnaire at their mammogram appointment or through their primary care provider or OB-GYN.<\/p>\n
Testing itself is simple, a blood or saliva sample is all that\u2019s needed.<\/p>\n
A positive genetic test result does not mean a person will develop breast cancer, but it does mean their lifetime risk is higher than average.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese tests help us understand risk on a spectrum,\u201d says Stroop. \u201cThere are high-risk genes and more moderate-risk genes, and we match the screening approach to that level of risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
For some, that means alternating mammograms and breast MRIs every six months rather than the standard annual mammogram. Others may qualify for additional follow-up through UConn Health\u2019s High-Risk Breast Program<\/a>, led by Dr. Dana Scott.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe walk patients through their results, explain what they mean, and help coordinate with their physicians to plan next steps,\u201d says Stroop.<\/p>\n According to the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, Connecticut has some of the highest breast cancer screening rates in the country which is credited to both public awareness and state legislation that supports coverage for screening and diagnostic mammograms.<\/p>\n \u201cThe more people who have access to screening, the more likely we are to catch something early,\u201d she says. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t mean there\u2019s more cancer it means we\u2019re finding it sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n She notes that one of the biggest shifts she\u2019s seen is simply that patients and providers are more proactive than ever before.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople know their family history, they ask about genetic testing, and they\u2019re often more willing to take that step,\u201d says Stroop. \u201cThat awareness alone can make a huge difference.\u201d<\/p>\n For those wondering if genetic testing is right for them, Stroop\u2019s advice is simple: start with a conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cTalk to your family about who\u2019s had cancer and at what age they were diagnosed,\u201d she says. \u201cThat information helps us make the best recommendations for your care.\u201d<\/p>\n And for anyone who had genetic testing before 2013, she adds, \u201cIt may be time to get it updated. The science has advanced and that information could change your screening plan.\u201d<\/p>\n