Wednesday, May 3, 2017

She Had a Genetics Test At Age 30, Then a Double Mastectomy

Genetic testing patient Kate Payne was diagnosed with DCIS, one of the early stages of breast cancer just as she was preparing for her wedding. After lesser treatment was not helping, Kate then received a double mastectomy by the advice of her doctor. Like actress  Angelina Jolie, Payne was first showed the presence of a ATM mutation in a blood test also known as the BRCA gene which has shown an elevated risk of breast cancer from 20 to 60 percent as high. Kate states it is the patient's responsibility to be tested, especially because she has had experience with doctors who do not believe this type pf testing is necessary because not everyone with this type of mutation develops breast cancer. This article goes to show there are many different opinions within the field of genetics, and it is best to find a professional who agrees with your beliefs to get the best care possible. I do think it is up to the patient if they wish to go through extensive testing for these types of cancers, especially if they run through the family.

The News & Observer

4 comments:

  1. Such a strange decision i hope i never have to make!

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  2. I think its very important for women who have a history of breast cancer to get tested for the BRCA mutation. Even though it is not a guarantee that a person will develop cancer, it can help get the ball rolling for preventative measures.

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  3. Breast cancer awareness is increasing, but still could be taken more seriously. Myself included, women need to understand how serious breast cancer is, and the potential for it to turn life threatening.

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  4. I agree with Anna; although not everyone with the gene develops breast cancer (I think ~10% was a figure thrown around during lecture), getting tested is still a valuable tool in making informed decisions about health. This article struck me in particular because of an article I read of a 55 year old male air force pilot developing breast cancer, despite having no family history of it (link below).
    https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/9bcab03b-4c45-3e2c-8f3b-81bc17a17a5f/ss_special-report%3A-man-with.html

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