Genes referred to as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have a significant role in preventing breast and ovarian cancer. If these gene mutate, this is a harmful change that can prevent them from working properly, leading to a higher risk of hereditary cancer. Genetic testing of BRCA genes is now available in-house at the Clinical Genomics Laboratory at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC under the direction of Daniel Bellissimo, PhD and Alexander Yatsenko, MD, PhD of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.
“Typically patients are referred to our genetics service for a consult due to the possibility of hereditary cancer,” Bellissimo said. “Depending on the results of the testing, we can determine if they are at an elevated risk for getting breast or ovarian cancer. The lifetime risk of getting cancer may be as high as 40- 80%. If changes in the BRCA genes are not detected, other genes can be tested. The test results can help the patient and their doctor consider what additional surveillance or other procedures may be needed.”
Patients could also alert other women in their family to consider additional testing under the direction of a genetic counselor who can help them understand both a positive and negative result. Having this capability in-house enables doctors, geneticists, and counselors to work together in developing tests and helping patients.
“The collaboration between the specialized geneticists, scientific researchers and medical staff have made bringing additional genetics testing to Magee a reality,” said Patty Genday MSN, MBA, RN Executive Director, Women’s Services at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. “This solidifies the comprehensive women’s cancer services Magee offers to our community.” Patty Genday