Do everyone with prostate cancer need genetic tests? No. Many men are diagnosed with local risk or intermediate risk, cancer that may not have to be treated immediately or maybe even everything. But as we discussed in Part 1 of my discussion with Oregon Medical Oncologist Alexandra Sokolova, MD, Some men really need it – and they and their families can benefit from it.
Sokolova, which I conducted an interview for the Prostate Cancer Foundation site, says you should consider testing the shoots if:
- Diagnosed with High -risk prostate cancer;
- Your Gleason score was 8 or higher;
- Your PSA was over 20 In diagnosis.
- Diagnosed with Stage Cancer T3 (extending beyond the prostate or has spread locally); or if you have been diagnosed Metastatic prostate cancerwhich has spread to locations away from the prostate.
- Pathology report shows you items for intra -abdominal carcinoma or malignant glandsFindings associated with more aggressive cancer.
Family history is also a red flag: You should also consider germination test if your family history includes:
A or closer relatives diagnosed chest, pancreatic, ovarian, colon or prostate cancer in age 50 or younger; or a related diagnosed with metastatic, high risk or very high risk of prostate cancer.
Two or closer relatives diagnosed breast cancer or prostate cancer at any age;
Three or closer relatives with Lynch SyndromeA hereditary disorder that increases the risk of developing many forms of cancer, especially colon cancer and endometrial cancer.
A family history Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (Also known as SLBA, for hereditary predisposition smallArcoma, sistream,largeEuphoria and ADrenia Cancer);
You are Jewish origin Ashkenazi.
You have one A well -known family germination line history;
You have a personal story of (male) breast cancer.
How is shoots test?
It is not at all difficultsays Sokolova: “You can have germ -line tests Through a blood test, or you can spit on a tube. This test can be ordered by your doctor, or you can order it yourself, through companies such as Holor Health or Invitae (via Labcorp). www.prostatecancerpromise.org and receive free genetic tests. ”
** Please note ** here are some points to take into account:
Not all online genetic tests are. Some tests available directly to consumers “are considered recreational and do not have the ability to detect clinically significant mutations,” says Sokolova. Clinical genetic tests are looking for a larger group of hereditary genes, so talk to your doctor, do your research and make sure you know what kind of test you are taking. Also:
“If you have genetic tests 20 years ago, it’s worth talking to your doctor about repetition of tests; Because it has improved over the years, ”adds Sokolova.
Protect yourself. Is against law For your health insurance or your workplace to distinguish you due to any dangers have occurred in genetic exams. But Life insurance and disability insurance are not protected. Therefore, before your family members are subjected to waterfall tests, especially younger relatives who may not have thought much about life insurance and disability, must Think about getting these policies in advance“Sokolova proposes. Learn more about the law on non -distinction of genetic information (Gina) here.
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The turning point in the prostate cancer genetics
There was an earthquake in the community of prostate cancer on July 6, 2016. This was day A landmarkwhich I am proud to have been funded largely by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, published in The New England Medicine newspaper. An international team of researchers found shooting lines in 16 genes, including BRCA; ATM; Chek2; BRCA1; Rad51d; Palb2. These mutations were significantly higher in men with metastatic prostate cancer than in men with local disease. Because of this project, genetic tests are now usually looking for these defective genes in men with metastatic prostate cancer.
In addition to the bookI have written about prostate cancer on the prostate cancer website, Pcf.org. I firmly believe that knowledge is power. Save your life can start with the transition to the doctor and know the right questions you need to ask. I hope all men put prostate cancer on their radar. Take a basic PSA blood test in the early 1940s and if you are African descent or if the cancer and/or prostate cancer runs to your family, you should regularly examine for the disease. Many doctors do not do this, so it is up to you to ask for it. I add now, because people are diagnosed with many types of cancer at younger ages than ever: If you have cancer in your family, ask your doctor for a PSA base test in your 30s. If you take blood anyway, it’s just one more box for the doctor to check. Then to see if your number is suitable for your age group, see here.
© Janet Farrar Worthington
