New genetics program helps Caribbean women minimize cancer risk
From Caribbean News Now
WEST PALM BEACH, USA — Caribbean women now have the ability to minimize cancer risk through a new genetics program that can help determine whether they are at risk for certain types of cancer.
If you knew you had the genetic marker for a certain disease, would it make the difference to motivate you to change your lifestyle and get healthy?The program, at Tenet Florida’s Good Samaritan Medical Center led by Dr Elisabeth McKeen, medical oncologist, and Conni Murphy, a nurse practitioner with specialized training in cancer genetics, consists of a genetic screening process and counseling sessions.
A growing understanding of human genetics holds the promise to dramatically change health care through customized preventative care and treatments. Preventive medicine is always the best and least expensive medicine.
The results of genetic testing can help you make informed decisions about how to best manage your future healthcare. They may also assist your doctor in developing a personalized plan of care. For example, if it is determined that you are at risk for breast cancer, you may be advised to add breast MRIs to your routine screenings to aid in early detection.
“The Good Sam Cancer Institute has been a leader in cancer prevention and treatment within our community for decades,” said CEO Mark Nosacka. “With the addition of the Cancer Genetics Program, we are expanding our services by allowing people to have the opportunity to determine whether they have a higher-than-average risk of cancer. This service will potentially enable us to expand the number of people that can be helped at the Good Sam Cancer Institute and the Good Sam Breast Institute.”
Before and after genetic testing, you may have a genetic counseling session, where a member of the program’s specially trained staff will help explain your results and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Additionally, Good Samaritan’s pastoral care team can help you cope psychologically with the results of your genetic testing, and the hospital’s nutrition team is available to help maintain your nutritional well-being to reduce the risk of recurrence.
During your initial evaluation period, you will fill out a questionnaire, which includes questions regarding your personal and family history of cancer. The next step is genetic testing, which consists of a simple mouthwash or blood test. Analysis of the sample can determine if you inherited a gene mutation that may increase your cancer risk. However, it is important to remember that testing positive for a gene mutation is not a guarantee of developing cancer.
For more on this story go to: http://caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-New-genetics-program-helps-Caribbean-women-minimize-cancer-risk-29596.html
