Genetic test can reveal painful truth
HEALTH Inherited mutations in certain genes increase risk of breast and ovarian cancers

By McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

Published: November 3, 2008

SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Wanda Stutsman was 32 years old and seven months pregnant when she began her first round of chemotherapy.

Two months later, she delivered a healthy son with a full head of hair. But there was little time to dote on him; Stutsman had to move to the next phase of her breast cancer treatment: six weeks of radiation therapy.

The Southlake mother managed to get through her final treatment. After a decade without a reoccurrence, she managed to push cancer to the back of her mind.

That is, until her cousin was diagnosed with ovarian cancer three years ago. Stutsman decided it was time to be tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2, mutated genes that are linked to breast and ovarian cancer.

"I found out I have BRCA1,” she said. "I went 10 years as a survivor without ever knowing.”

Increase in testing

In the past, the cost of testing and a fear that insurance companies would discriminate against someone with the gene mutation kept many women from pursuing it, said Dr. Prasanthi Ganesa, an oncologist at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Fort Worth.

Then insurance companies started covering the test, which costs about $3,000. In 1996, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act prohibited group insurance plans from using genetic information as a basis for denying coverage. In 2000, federal regulations were expanded to protect the privacy of medical records.

These changes, combined with dramatic improvements in reconstructive surgery and a heightened awareness of the breast cancer genes, have contributed to the increase in testing.

Experts recommend performing breast selfexaminations beginning at the age of 20.

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