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Actress Angelina Jolies decision to have a preventative double mastectomy after learning she carried the faulty gene BRCA1 has heighted awareness for genetic testing. The Angelina Jolie Effect has lead to an increase in testing for the BRCA1\/2 mutations among North American women, according to a recent Canadian study. But, is genetic testing for everyone? And, what questions should women consider? <\/p>\n
Gail Vance, MD, FCAP, a pathologist and a clinical geneticist specializing in cancer genetics for inherited diseases at the Indiana University School of Medicine, is available for interviews for breast cancer awareness stories on what women need to know when considering genetic testing for the breast cancer. She is available to answer such questions as: <\/p>\n
In lieu of all the recent advancements in genetic testing, what questions should patients be asking their doctors? Why is it important for a pathologist to be involved? How affordable are these tests? Are these tests covered by health care providers? <\/p>\n
Dr. Vance also can offer tips for patients who are weighing this important decision, including: Talk with your physician about which genetic testing is appropriate for you Discuss the risks and benefits of genetic testing Learn which treatment is right for you. If you have diagnosed with cancer, an evaluation of your tumor will assist your oncologist in determining the appropriate treatment <\/p>\n
Pathologists are the physicians who use laboratory medicine to examine cells, tissues, and body fluids to identify and diagnose disease, including breast cancer. They are involved in every aspect of health care. Pathologists provide the medical interpretation of genetic testing, which is critical to help patients make informed decisions about their health. <\/p>\n
About Dr. Gail Vance: Gail H. Vance, MD, FCAP, is the Sutphin professor of Cancer Genetics and interim chairperson of the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She also is director of the Division of Diagnostic Genomics and the Indiana Familial Cancer Program, which provides genetic counseling, risk assessment, and genetic testing to individuals with an elevated risk for developing cancer. <\/p>\n
About the College of American Pathologists As the leading organization with more than 18,000 board-certified pathologists, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. The CAPs Laboratory Improvement Programs, initiated 65 years ago, currently has customers in more than 100 countries, accrediting 7,600 laboratories and providing proficiency testing to 20,000 laboratories worldwide. Find more information about the CAP at cap.org. Follow CAP on Twitter: @pathologists.<\/p>\n
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Pathologist and Genetic Counselor Available for Interviews on the "Angelina Jolie Effect" and What Patients Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Contact Information Available for logged-in reporters only Actress Angelina Jolies decision to have a preventative double mastectomy after learning she carried the faulty gene BRCA1 has heighted awareness for genetic testing. The Angelina Jolie Effect has lead to an increase in testing for the BRCA1\/2 mutations among North American women, according to a recent Canadian study. Continue reading