Brick-Based Program Probes Genetics to Help Determine Cancer Risk

Many have heard it said that knowledge is power, and a program at Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township gives women, and also men, power over a cancer diagnosis.

During National Women’s Health Week, Angela Fay, the Cancer Genetic Coordinator for Meridian Health, is urging people who have certain risk factors for developing breast, ovarian or colon cancer to become active participants in their healthcare.

“We speak at large and small community events because education and awareness are myth busters,” said Fay.  “By doing this we decrease fear, clarify information and that leads to increased access to care for better patient outcomes.”

Fay counsels people as part of Ocean Medical Center’s Hereditary Cancer Risk Program.  Researchers have found that family history or genetic factors can increase an individual’s risk for cancer.  So, Fay does in-depth assessments of personal health histories, evaluates cancer history in families, and recommends genetic testing to determine whether there are mutations in certain genes linked to cancer.

“Certain ancestries, such as Eastern European Jewish, would be at an increased risk for certain cancer syndromes and they would benefit from cancer risk assessment,” she said.  “A person of Eastern European Jewish ancestry is 10 times more likely to carry a gene mutation that would put them at risk to develop breast and ovarian cancer in their lifetime versus a person in the general population.”

Other risk factors include:  a family history of cancer or personal history of cancer at an early age (generally below the age of 60); a family history of ovarian or male breast cancer; a confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes, which, when mutated, have been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.  Through a blood sample, scientists can determine if these mutations exist in the genes. 

Maria Rocktashel, a Nurse Practitioner who serves as Breast Health Coordinator at Ocean Medical Center, said reactions vary among patients told they have these mutated genes.

“Common feelings are fear, shock, guilt -- if one family member is negative and others are positive carriers -- anger, acceptance and/or relief,” said Rocktashel.  “Overall, I believe that patients and physicians feel empowered and appreciate that there are steps they can take to reduce their cancer risk.”

Those who carry the gene mutation are offered counseling, education and recommendations based on their risk that they can share with their health care providers.

“For example, if a woman is found to carry the BRCA1 mutation, she would have the option of considering increased surveillance through mammography, breast MRIs, ultrasounds and certain blood tests,” said Rocktashel.  “She may opt for chemoprevention to reduce her cancer risk, or even consider prophylactic surgeries to decrease her cancer risk.”

Ocean Medical Center has had genetic counseling services since 2000.  In 2005, the hospital hired a genetic counselor to expand services to include all hereditary cancer syndromes.  Most recently, an additional genetic counselor and nurse practitioner were added to enhance these services.

Dr. A.K. Bhattacharya, M.D., F.A.C.S., a spokesman for the American Cancer Society’s Regional Leadership Council, said hereditary cancer risk programs are an important aspect of the prevention part of the society’s three-pronged approach to fighting cancer, which also includes diagnosis and treatment.

“When you know you have a risk factor, you’re more vigilant and can catch cancer earlier,” said Dr. Bhattacharya, a Freehold plastic surgeon.  “By identifying your risk, you can modify your behavior, such as dietary intake, smoking or obesity. An earlier diagnosis impacts the survival rate.”

The 12th annual National Women’s Health Week is celebrated until May 14.  It’s a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health.  The theme for 2011 is “It’s Your Time,” with the goal of empowering women to make their health a top priority and take steps to improve their health and lower their risks of certain diseases.

For more information, visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw/index.cfm.

To learn more about Ocean Medical Center’s Hereditary Cancer Risk Program, visit the program's website.