Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - St. Anthony - (Page 52)

A Family Affair call To learn more about genetic counseling at St. Anthony Hospital, visit stanthonyhosp.org/genetic-counseling or call 303-734-3969. Find Out if You Have Cancer-Causing Genes What to do when cancer runs in your genes I by Carla Carwile f you regularly read The Denver Post or Smithsonian Magazine, chances are you’ve read about Lisa Mullineaux, M.S., CGC. Master’s trained and boardcertified, Mullineaux was one of the team of genetics experts who helped solve a breast cancer mystery in southern Colorado. Both publications tracked the painstaking genetic tracking process and how answers aided a small group of families facing a hereditary risk of breast cancer. With the opening of the new St. Anthony Breast Center, Mullineaux’s expertise is now available on the St. Anthony Six Facts About Hereditary Cancer cancer is more likely to be inherited if: • two or more blood relatives have the same type of cancer (except for cervical, lung or skin cancer) • Breast, colon, uterine or rectal cancer was diagnosed before age 50 • the cancer is ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer • the cancer is a rare type, such breast cancer in a man • the cancer develops in both breasts or both kidneys • a single family member has developed more than one type of cancer, such as a woman with Lisa Mullineaux, M.S., CGC, uterine and colon cancer (except St. Anthony Hospital for cervical, lung or skin cancer) Genetic Counselor Medical Campus. She’s a member of the multidisciplinary team of radiologists, oncologists, surgeons, imaging technologists and nurse navigators who work closely on the patient’s behalf when she or he is diagnosed with breast cancer. Mullineaux also provides genetic counseling services to those with a hereditary risk for other cancers, as well. In all instances, her focus is helping individuals understand the role genetics play in their personal health choices and gain important peace of mind. “A family history of cancer does not mean you will develop cancer yourself,” she emphasizes. “Inherited cancers are rare. Only 5 to 10 percent of people with cancer have a type that is caused by inherited gene changes.” What is Genetic counselinG? Genetic counseling is the first step toward genetic lab testing. Information gathered during genetic counseling helps determine if genetic lab testing would be helpful in your situation. A genetic counseling session includes recording a detailed family history and using your family history information to: • Estimate your risk of developing cancer • Estimate the risk of an inherited cancer in your family • Discuss ways to screen for and prevent cancer based on your risks • Review the pros and cons of genetic lab testing • Decide if genetic testing is right for you, given your particular risks and concerns 52 Vim & Vigor • Sum m er 2 012 http://www.stanthonyhosp.org/genetic-counseling

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - St. Anthony

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - St. Anthony
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Community Connections
Stroke of Genius
A Full Spectrum of Caring
The Breakfast Club
Arthritis Answers
A TV Guide to Radiology
Take Aim
It Might NOT Be Cancer
Colin Firth
Step Up to the Plate
Life After Cancer
Get Dad to the Doc
Virtual Health
All Eyes on the Future
One Summer’s Day
A Family Affair
A New Home for Care
Measuring Up
Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - St. Anthony