Hamilton Health

Did You Know? This article is part of an ongoing series about the advanced capabilities available through Hamilton Health Care System. On the Lookout for Cancer Red Flags Paige Queen, MD Approximately 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases, and as many as 10 percent of ovarian cancer cases result from inherited genetic mutations. Now, a simple test at Hamilton Diagnostics Center (HDC) can help North Georgia women learn if they have an increased risk for developing these two cancers. Hamilton health recently spoke with Paige Queen, MD, Radiologist at HDC, about BRACAnalysis® , a genetic test that takes mere moments to complete. Hamilton health: Please explain BRACAnalysis and its goal. Dr. Queen: BRACAnalysis is a test used to search a patient's DNA for mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. HDC began offering BRACAnalysis in 2011 as a way to reach women who are potentially predisposed to carrying these genetic mutations that lead to breast and ovarian cancers based on the dedicated breast histories they obtain during the screening mammogram evaluation. Hamilton health: Who is a good candidate for the test? Dr. Queen: Women who have had any of the following are good candidates for BRACAnalysis: • breast cancer before age 50 • a previously identifi ed BRCA mutation in the family • ovarian cancer at any age • two or more breast cancers in a family, one younger than age 50 • two primary breast cancers in an individual at any age • male breast cancer in a family at any age • both breast and ovarian cancer in an individual at any age Hamilton health: What is the test process like? Dr. Queen: When a woman comes in for a screening mammogram, the technologist inquires about the individual's medical history and her family's medical history. If any of the aforementioned criteria are discussed, the technologist speaks with the patient about genetic testing and gives her literature to read. "With BRACAnalysis® , knowledge truly is power. Not knowing if you carry a genetic mutation for breast or ovarian cancer creates a lot of anxiety for women. If a woman tests negative, she and her family no longer have to worry that she is at elevated risk for breast cancer compared to the average American woman. If her results are positive, she can work with her physicians to formulate a preventive plan to reduce her risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer and begin earlier, more frequent surveillance imaging." — Paige Queen, MD, Radiologist If the patient chooses to undergo genetic testing, her primary care physician (PCP) can order the test by calling our schedulers at HDC Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5 pm, at 706.272.6549. The test can be performed using either a blood sample or a sample of DNA swabbed from the inside of the mouth. Within two weeks, the DNA test results will be ready and sent to the patient's PCP, who will discuss the results with the patient. Hamilton health: What options does a woman have if she tests positive for genetic mutations? Dr. Queen: She may choose to have her breasts or ovaries removed. If she decides to keep her ovaries, she should discuss preventive strategies with her OB/GYN, such as taking birth control pills, to reduce her risk of ovarian cancer. The OB/GYN may also recommend undergoing heightened surveillance with ultrasound of the ovaries every six months beginning between ages 30 and 35. If she decides to keep her breasts, she would begin having annual mammograms and breast magnetic resonance imaging tests and possibly go on preventive hormone suppression therapy. Please note: An outside agency conducts and bills for the service. Individuals will need to determine if the price is affordable based on their own circumstances, as the test may not be covered by insurance. For information about BRACAnalysis, visit bracnow.com. 2 | 3

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