Jul 11, 2007 11:33 am US/Eastern
New Gene Detection Allows Earlier Cancer Treatment
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (CBS) ―
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Researchers say he rare genetic mutation, called BRCA, not only increases the risk of both ovarian and breast cancer but may also signal a more dangerous form of the disease. (File)
(Photo by Neshan H. Naltchayan/AFP/Getty Images)
A new study by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that a small number of women have a particular gene mutation which puts them at a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer than women without the gene.
While the only women currently being tested for the mutation are those with a strong family history of the disease, doctors are suggesting the test be expanded to women who may not know their exact family history when it comes to cancer.
The rare mutation, called BRCA, not only increases the risk of both ovarian and breast cancer but may also signal a more dangerous form of the disease.
Women who test positive for BRCA are treated more aggressively than other patients.
Breast cancer patient Trudy Crawford was tested two years ago because of her strongly family history of cancer. As it turned out, the test was a good idea. She tested positive for BRCA.
"The word 'cancer' almost sounds like a death sentence to you, but after the treatment I felt very positive," she explained.
Since then, Crawford's 20-year-old daughter has been tested – her results also came back positive. "Now they're watching her and monitoring her very closely," Crawford explained.
Because of the great success that can come with the treatment, doctors are suggesting more women be tested.
"We think that anyone who has breast cancer diagnosed before age 50, particularly before age of 45, should be seen for genetic counseling and consideration of genetic testing," said Dr. Deborah MacDonald of the City of Hope Hospital of California.
Since BRCA affects such a small percentage of women and the test itself is quite expensive, it isn't for everyone.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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