Genetics & Cancer

Lynch syndrome is a hereditary genetic abnormality that can cause several types of cancer. Wenora Johnson discovered that it ran in her family after she had treatment for colon cancer. Knowing that she was at a high risk for certain cancers, and having 2 children already, she had her ovaries and uterus removed, as prevention.

Genetic testing, genomic testing, molecular profiling—how can you make sense of these terms to ensure you receive the best test and best treatment in this era of targeted therapies? A group of experts and patient advocates provide answers to these questions.

New treatments are becoming available for patients with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Testing for specific biomarkers is crucial to ensure each patient receives the best available treatment for any associated biomarker.

Patients with advanced lung cancer should be tested for the 5 most common biomarkers so they may receive the best treatment options for their disease.

After getting tested for genetic abnormalities, Brandi Bryant learned she had the ALK genetic mutation, which increases the risk for lung cancer. This information resulted in important changes in her treatment and led her to become an advocate for genetic testing, especially among minority communities.

Jon Grossman shares his powerful story of learning he inherited the genetic mutation that caused his mother’s stomach cancer, and the drastic steps he took to ensure he will not have that cancer.

Genetics play an important role in cancer treatments today. Working with genetic counselors helps to determine if a patient’s cancer has a genetic component, which will influence treatment decisions. Genetic counselor Megan Mortenson explains how genetic counseling may help you or your loved one.

One-size-fits-all medicine is a thing of the past. Cancer, at its core, is a genetic disease. Today’s advances in cancer research mean that doctors can now tailor a personalized treatment to the patient’s specific cancer type.

Knowing if the patient’s chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has genetic abnormalities through genetic testing can help doctors select the best treatment.