Genetic counseling is a hot-button topic lately.
With Angelina Jolie's recent New York Times Op-Ed and the Supreme Court's ruling on gene patents dominating the headlines, many folks who previously knew very little about genetic testing want to know much more about the various procedures available.
Our friends at Arizona Public Media have done excellent work bringing this information to the public, thanks to their top-notch science reporting.
AZ Illustrated ran an informative, illuminating story on what genetic testing means, and how it can benefit those patients with potential predispositions for cancer.
From AZPM.org: "Just a few decades ago, these families would have had few answers or options. But, now, a simple blood test or cheek swab can identify the genes or gene mutations that can create this potentially deadly risk."
AZPM science reporter Gisela Telis spoke to University of Arizona Cancer Center genetic counselor Gail Martino, MS, CGC, and the UACC's director of women's cancers, Setsuko Chambers, MD, about what these advances in genetic testing can mean for the future of cancer treatment.
“We are able to give comprehensive care of these women from the start to the eventual outcome, so we do the diagnosis, the workup, the entire management, the surgery, we do the chemotherapy, and then we see the patient for years afterwards,” Chambers told AZPM. “So, it’s a very satisfying field. It’s difficult, it’s not simple, but it’s very satisfying.”
The UACC is the only cancer care facility in Tucson with certified genetic counselors. For people who have a strong family history of cancer, our multi-specialty team at the High-Risk Cacne can assess cancer risk, determine if genetic testing is appropriate, interpret testing results, and counsel regarding the options for cancer risk management.