from Journal of Clinical Oncology
At least one and one half million women in this country who have had either breast or ovarian cancer have a high risk of carrying genetic mutations that could increase their risk for additional cancers. But a new study found more than eighty percent of these women have not taken a simple blood test or saliva test or even discussed it with a health care professional. The study, appearing in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, notes that in addition to the inherited genetic risk for additional cancers for such women, family members could also be at risk for future cancers. Lead author of the study, Dr. Christopher Childers, says if women are aware that they have these mutations, they can take steps to lower their future risk of cancer.