Tag: Screening/Early Detection

ICARE Newsletter Spring 2022 

 Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act of 2021 

On February 16th, 2022, the Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act (S.3656) was introduced to the U.S. Senate with the goal of ensuring Medicare beneficiaries have coverage for potentially life-saving inherited cancer genetic counseling and testing as well as recommended screening and risk-reducing procedures, when medically necessary and appropriate. Currently, Medicare only covers genetic testing for beneficiaries …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/icare-newsletter-spring-2022-reducing-hereditary-cancer-act-of-2021/

ICARE Newsletter Spring 2022 

 Community Spotlight 

Genetic testing sounded like a futuristic concept when it originally came to our attention. It sounded something to the likes of cloning. We didn’t really understand what it was and why it was important, but rather thought it sounded like something out of science fiction. Thankfully, our medical providers and genetic counselors stuck with us …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/icare-newsletter-spring-2022-community-spotlight/

ICARE Newsletter Spring 2022 

 Lynch Syndrome and Prostate Cancer  

A new study suggests men with certain MSH2 and MSH6 mutations have higher risks of prostate cancer and may be candidates for PSA screening. Bancroft et al. Lancet Oncol. 2021 Nov. PMID: 34678156. Social media postDecember 17th, 2021. Available at: https://tinyurl.com/post121721

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/icare-newsletter-spring-2022-lynch-syndrome-and-prostate-cancer/

ICARE Newsletter Spring 2022 

 Polygenic Risk Scores and Inherited Breast Cancer Genes: BRCA1/2, PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM  

Breast MRIs are advised in women with >20% lifetime risk of breast cancer. A new study showed that breast cancer risks in BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB2 carriers remained higher than 20%, regardless of whether polygenic risk scores (PRS) were done, suggesting this is of limited help in refining screening. In contrast, PRS downgraded breast cancer …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/icare-newsletter-spring-2022-polygenic-risk-scores-and-inherited-breast-cancer-genes-brca1-2-palb2-chek2-and-atm/

ICARE Newsletter Fall 2022 

 Community Spotlight 

When I was just 8 years old my mother was diagnosed with a very aggressive breast cancer. I didn’t reallyunderstand the concept of cancer at that age, but I knew what was happening was terrible. After manysurgeries and treatments, she passed away 2 years later at the age of 35. There was no hereditary cancertesting …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/icare-newsletter-fall-2022-community-spotlight/

ICARE Newsletter Fall 2022 

 Ask the Expert 

The below question was addressed by Dr. Kamran Idrees, Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology & Endocrine Surgery, Associate Professor of Surgery, Ingram Associate Professor of Cancer Research, and Director of Pancreatic and Gastro Intestinal Surgical Oncology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Dr. Idrees’ research has focused on colorectal cancer, liver metastases, and pancreatic cancer …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/icare-newsletter-fall-2022-ask-the-expert/

ICARE Newsletter Fall 2022 

 Screening & Treatment Updates: New Modeling Analysis About Breast Cancer Screening in ATM and CHEK2 Carriers 

Using information from twelve prior population-based studies, a modeling analysis was done to look at when to start mammography and breast MRI in females with inherited mutations in genes including ATM and CHEK2. Overall, findings showed that starting annual MRI screening between age 30 to 35 and mammography at age 40 may lower death from …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/icare-newsletter-fall-2022-screening-treatment-updates-new-modeling-analysis-about-breast-cancer-screening-in-atm-and-chek2-carriers/

ICARE Newsletter Fall 2022 

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines Updates 

Check out the full NCCN guidelines by creating a FREE account at www.nccn.org Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic – Released September 7th, 2022› Testing eligibility based on personal history of any type of breast cancer in females was updated from age ≤45 to ≤50 making more females with breast cancer eligible for testing …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/icare-newsletter-fall-2022-national-comprehensive-cancer-network-nccn-guidelines-updates/

ICARE Newsletter Fall 2021 

Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act of 2021  

Under current Medicare guidelines, only those with “signs, symptoms, complaints, or personal histories of disease” meet the criteria for medical services coverage. Thus, genetic testing is only covered for those already diagnosed with cancer, regardless of family history. If someone without cancer has an inherited mutation that increases cancer risk (e.g., BRCA1/2), Medicare may not …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/div-classboxedspan-stylecolor-whiteh6icare-newsletter-fall-2021-h6-span-divbrcenterh4span-stylecolor-56b0e4-reducing-heredit/

Newsletter Fall 2021

PALB2 : Increasingly Recognized as the Third Most Important Inherited Breast Cancer Gene

In May 2021, a clinical practice resource was released by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) from a global team of cancer genetics specialists (see figure) to help guide the care of PALB2 carriers.1 PALB2 is considered the third most important breast cancer risk gene, after BRCA1 and BRCA2, with PALB2 carriers …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/div-classboxedspan-stylecolor-whiteh6newsletter-fall-2021-h6-span-divbrcenterh4span-stylecolor-56b0e4-ipalb2-i-increas/

ICARE Social Media Post January 2023

Updates to NCCN Guidelines: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) just released updated breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer guidelines which included updated breast cancer screening recommendations for male BRCA carriers (particularly male BRCA2 carriers). It is now recommended that male BRCA carriers consider annual mammograms starting at age 50 or 10 years before the earliest male breast cancer in …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post12423/

ICARE Social Media Post December 2022

Cancer Screen Week

This week is Cancer Screen Week! This week we would like to highlight the importance of screening for inherited cancer to help prevent cancer and find it early. Talk to your healthcare provider today about what screenings are best for you.

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post120622/

ICARE Social Media Post November 2022

Fall 2022 Ask the Expert

In every ICARE newsletter we give our participants the opportunity to have a question addressed by an expert in the field. In the latest edition, Dr. Kamran Idrees, Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology & Endocrine Surgery, Associate Professor of Surgery, Ingram Associate Professor of Cancer Research, and Director of Pancreatic and Gastro-Intestinal Surgical …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post111122/

ICARE Featured Video October 2022

NCCN Genetic/Familial Guideline Updates (V1.2023 & V.1.2022)

Below you may watch a featured video from the October 2022 Genetics Case Conference in which ICARE Principal Investigator, Tuya Pal, MD, discusses recent updates to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/video100622/

ICARE Social Media Post October 2022

NCCN Familial/Genetic High Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian & Pancreatic Guidelines – single post 2

On September 7th, 2022, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) released new breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer guidelines. In these new guidelines, the age to start breast MRI screening in female ATM and CHEK2 carriers was updated from age 40 to 30-35 making more females eligible for screening at an earlier age.Check out the new …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post100222/

ICARE Featured Video August 2022

Total Body MRI Screening Protocol in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Patients

Below you may watch a featured video from the August 2022 Genetics Case Conference focused on total body MRI screening protocol in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome patients with guest expert Joanna Shechtel, MD.

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/video81122/

ICARE Social Media Post July 2022

Pancreatic Cancer Screening

A recent study found that earlier diagnosis improved survival in people at high risk of pancreatic cancer.High risk was defined based on:family history and/orinherited gene mutation (BRCA1, BRCA2, CDKN2A, Lynch Syndrome genes, PALB2, ATM, and STK11)Read the article at the link in our bio! 🔗⁠Reference: Dbouk, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2022 Jun 15:JCO2200298. doi: …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post72622/

ICARE Social Media Post June 2022

Maternal Malignancies May Be Identified Through Noninvasive Prenatal Test Results

A new study found that results of noninvasive prenatal testing for fetal aneuploidy screening using cell-free DNA derived from maternal plasma raised suspicion of maternal malignancy in a small proportion of pregnant women. However, among those with suspicious findings, the risk of a confirmed malignancy was quite high.Check out the full article athttps://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.21.02260Reference: Heesterbeek et …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post60822/

ICARE Social Media Post April 2022

Detection of Early-Stage Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma from Blood Samples

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post40522/

ICARE Social Media Post April 2022

Breast Cancer Mortality & MRI Screening: ATM, CHEK2, and PALB2

A new study suggests that annual breast MRI screening may reduce deaths from breast cancer by half in women with ATM, CHEK2 and PALB2 gene mutations. The data suggests starting with annual breast MRIs between the ages of 30 to 35, and adding annual mammograms starting at age 40. Read the full article to learn …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post40122/

ICARE Featured Video January 2022

JScreen: At-Home Genetic Testing and Education

Below you may watch a featured video from the January 2022 Genetics Case Conference, in which Estie Rose, MS, LCGC presented on JScreen, a non-profit offering genetic testing and education.

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/video11322/

ICARE Social Media Post December 2021

Prostate Cancer Screening: MSH2 & MSH6

A new study suggests men with MSH2 and MSH6 mutations have a higher incidence of prostate cancer, and may be candidates for PSA screening. Read the full article to learn more 👇 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(21)00522-2/fulltext Reference: Bancroft et al. Lancet Oncol. 2021 Nov;22(11):1618-1631. PMID: 34678156.

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post121721/

ICARE Social Media Post August 2021

Breast Cancer Risks: BRCA1/2 & PALB2

For more information, view the article at 👇https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.21.00531

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post82421/

ICARE Featured Video August 2021

Updates to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines

Below you may watch a featured video from the August 2021 ICARE Genetics Case Conferences outlining updates to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/video81221_2/

ICARE Social Media Post June 2021

BRCA: Better Survival with Screening

For more information, please visit: https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/news/conference-coverage/st-gallen-international-breast-cancer-conference/sg-bcc-2021/breast-cancer-screening-brca-improves-survival-mutation

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post62921/

ICARE Social Media Post May 2021

Breast Cancer Awareness Medical Minute

In recognition of 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, listen to our colleague, Dr. Sonya Reid, talk about the importance of mammography for the early detection of breast cancer! To learn more, check out the American Cancer Society’s Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post52421/

ICARE Social Media Post May 2021

USPSTF Earlier Colorectal Cancer Screening At Age 45

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends routine colorectal cancer screening begin at age 45 (lowered from the previous recommendation to start screening at age 50) due to an increasing number of colorectal cancer cases in younger adults. For more information, check out the full JAMA article at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2779985

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post52121/

ICARE Social Media Post May 2021

CDKN2A: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

𝘐𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩, we present cancer risks and management for 𝗖𝗗𝗞𝗡𝟮𝗔 per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Version 2.2021 𝗠𝗲𝗻 & 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻:Melanoma risk: Elevated at 28-67% – Recommend annual full-body skin exam, regular self-examinations, and routine sun protective behaviors. Pancreatic cancer risk: >15% – Consider MRI/MRCP and/or endoscopic …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post51321/

ICARE Social Media Post April 2021

Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act

The 𝙍𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝘼𝙘𝙩 is being proposed to ensure Medicare beneficiaries have access to inherited cancer genetic testing, increased screening, and risk-reducing procedures, when medically necessary & appropriate. Under current Medicare guidelines, only those with “signs, symptoms, complaints, or personal histories of disease” meet the criteria for medical services coverage. Genetic testing is only …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post43021/

ICARE Social Media Post April 2021

Komen Disparities Resource

Check out Susan G. Komen’s “𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸” resource, which outlines disparities in breast cancer, how to understand your risk, and recommended screening and management practices. To learn more, please visit: 👉 https://www.komen.org/about-komen/our-impact/breast-cancer/health-equities-initiative/know-your-history/ 👉 https://blog.komen.org/news/black-history-month/

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post42021/

ICARE Social Media Post March 2021

STK11: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: STK11 Cancer Risks and Management per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal Version 1.2020 Women:Breast cancer risk: Elevated at 40-60% – Recommend annual mammogram and breast MRI starting at around age 30. Ovarian tumor risk (typically benign sex cord/Sertoli cell tumors): Elevated at 18-21% – Recommend annual pelvic exam starting at …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post33021/

ICARE Social Media Post March 2021

MUTYH: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: MUTYH Cancer Risks and Management per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal Version 1.2020 Men & women with two mutations in MUTYH:Colon cancer risk: High risk – Recommend colonoscopy every 1-2 years beginning at age 25-30; colectomy considered based on polyp burden and age. Duodenal cancer risk: Elevated – Consider baseline …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post32321/

ICARE Social Media Post March 2021

APC: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲: 𝗔𝗣𝗖 Cancer Risks and Management per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal Version 1.2020 𝗠𝗲𝗻 & 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻:𝘈𝘗𝘊 mutation leading to classic form of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP):Colorectal cancer risk: >99% if untreated – Treatment is based on polyp burden and includes proctocolectomy (with subsequent endoscopic screening of the ileal pouch) or …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post31621/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2021

Study Suggests Low Yield of MRI Surveillance After Bilateral Mastectomy

A study of 159 women, including BRCA1/2 carriers, who had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and underwent breast MRI screening, showed few women had detection of breast cancer through MRI after their bilateral mastectomy. These results support the recommendation that BRCA1/2 carriers with or without breast cancer who have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction do …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/8nlw2021/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2021

Learning You Have a Mutation in an Inherited Cancer Gene: What’s Next?

The benefits achieved through genetic testing for inherited cancer only happen by acting upon the results. This can be through guiding cancer treatment, receiving appropriate cancer risk management strategies, and sharing results with at-risk family members so they too can benefit from this information. We recently reported on results of our study, made possible through …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/6nlw2021/

ICARE Social Media Post October 2020

CDH1: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: 𝘾𝘿𝙃𝟭 Cancer Risks and Management per NCCN Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast/Ovarian/Pancreatic Version 1.2021 and Gastric Version 3.2020: 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻: Breast cancer risk: Elevated at 55% – Recommend annual mammogram starting at age 30; consider breast MRI with contrast starting at age 30. 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻: Stomach cancer risk: Elevated at 83% for women, and 67% …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post103020/

ICARE Social Media Post October 2020

PTEN: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: 𝙋𝙏𝙀𝙉 Cancer Risks and Management per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast/Ovarian/Pancreatic Version 1.2021: 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻: Breast cancer risk: Elevated at 85% – Recommend annual mammogram starting at age 30-35 (or 5-10 years before the earliest known breast cancer in the family); consider breast MRI with contrast starting at age 30-35; consider …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post102320/

ICARE Social Media Post October 2020

TP53: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: 𝙏𝙋𝟱𝟯 Syndrome: Li-Fraumeni Cancer Risks and Management per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast/Ovarian/Pancreatic Version 1.2021: 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻: Breast cancer risk: Elevated at 54% – Recommend clinical breast exam every 6-12 months starting at age 20, annual breast MRI with contrast starting at age 20, and annual mammogram starting at age 30; …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post101620/

ICARE Social Media Post October 2020

CHEK2: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: 𝘾𝙃𝙀𝙆2 Cancer Risks and Management per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal Version 1.2020 & Breast/Ovarian/Pancreatic Version 1.2021: 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻: Breast Cancer Risk: Elevated at 28-44% – Recommend annual mammogram starting at age 40 and consider annual breast MRIs with contrast starting at age 40. 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻: Colorectal Cancer Risk: Elevated …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post100920/

ICARE Featured Video September & October 2020

NCCN Genetic/Familial Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic Guidelines

Below you may watch a featured video from the September 2020 and October 2020 Genetics Case Conference, which outlined updates to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Check out the full guidelines by creating a FREE account at: https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/genetics_bop.pdf

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/video100820/

ICARE Social Media Post October 2020

ATM: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: 𝘼𝙏𝙈 Cancer Risks and Management (per NCCN Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic Version 1.2021) 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻: Breast cancer risk: Elevated at 30% – Recommend annual mammogram starting at age 40 and consider annual breast MRIs starting at age 40. Ovarian cancer risk: Possibly increased, not well established – Manage based on family history. …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post100220/

ICARE Social Media Post August 2020

MRI Surveillance Has Very Low Yield After Bilateral Mastectomy and Reconstruction

A study of 159 women, including BRCA carriers, who had bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, underwent breast MRI screening. The results showed few women had detection of breast cancer through MRI, after their bilateral mastectomy. These results support the recommendation against screening MRI in women who have had bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction due to a diagnosis …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post81820/

ICARE Newsletter Summer 2020

Updates to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal Guidelines

Updates to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal Guidelines (Version 1.2020, posted July 21, 2020) For individuals with Lynch Syndrome: Cancer risks were updated based on information from recent studies: Main updates included cancer risks in PMS2 (endometrial, ovarian, and prostate cancer), MSH2 and EPCAM (prostate and brain cancer), and MSH6 (prostate …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/1nls2020/

ICARE Social Media Post August 2020

Inherited Prostate Cancer Risk

Over 600,000 men age 40 and older who were part of a family with at least three consecutive generations affected with prostate cancer were studied from the Utah Population Database. Findings from this study showed that: 36,000 had prostate cancer (5.9%) 2,500 had early-onset disease (7%) 4,000 had lethal disease (11.1%) 15,000 had clinically significant …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post81420/

ICARE Social Media Post August 2020

CDC Resource for Free Breast Cancer Screening

We are here to help! Our followers asked us to provide information about screening resources for women with hereditary breast cancer. We would like to make folks aware about a CDC program that provides free breast cancer screening for women who are uninsured and underinsured. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Check out more information at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/ ⁣⁣

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post81120/

ICARE Publication July 2020

Update on multi-gene panel testing and communication of genetic test results

Abstract With technological advances, multi-gene panel testing has become increasingly used to identify patients at risk for hereditary breast cancer (HBC). There are currently evidence-based interventions and breast cancer screening strategies that exist for cancer prevention and early detection among patients with HBC. Moreover, in addition to the personal impact of identifying HBC, this information …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/pub70820/

ICARE Publication May 2020

Cancer risk management among female BRCA1/2, PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM carriers

Abstract Purpose: Identification of inherited breast cancer may guide cancer risk management. We sought to compare risk management practices across women with inherited breast cancer genes. Methods: Females with a pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant in BRCA1/2, PALB2, CHEK2, and/or ATM were surveyed about cancer risk management. Comparisons were made across genes. Results: The 235 participants with P/LP variants …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/pub52220/

ICARE Social Media Post May 2020

MRI May Detect Breast Cancer Earlier than Mammograms

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) currently recommends an annual breast MRI and an annual mammography for high-risk women (lifetime breast cancer risk at or above 20%). Among women at high risk for breast cancer, MRI detected breast cancer at an earlier stage than mammograms. Women with BRCA1/2 and TP53 were NOT included in this …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post51520/

ICARE Social Media Post May 2020

New Blood Test May Find Ovarian Cancer Early

A study of 80 women identified 4 proteins in blood that may help to detect ovarian cancer early. Further research is still needed with larger groups of women to determine if this new blood test would be a reliable test to find ovarian cancer early. Check out the full article at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-019-0544-0

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post50120/

ICARE Social Media Post April 2020

PALB2: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: PALB2 Cancer Risks and Management (per NCCN version 1.2020): Women: Breast cancer risk: Elevated at 53% – Recommend annual breast MRI with contrast starting at age 30, and annual mammogram with consideration of tomosynthesis starting at age 30; Consider risk-reducing mastectomy. Ovarian cancer risk: Elevated at 5% – Manage based on family history. Men …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post42820/

ICARE Social Media Post April 2020

BRCA2: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: BRCA2 Cancer Risks and Management (per NCCN version 3.2019): Women: Breast cancer risk: Elevated at 60%-70% – Recommend clinical breast exam every 6-12 months starting at age 25, annual breast MRI with contrast starting at age 25, and annual mammogram with consideration of tomosynthesis starting at age 30; consider risk-reducing mastectomy. Ovarian cancer risk: …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post42120/

ICARE Social Media Post April 2020

BRCA1: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: BRCA1 Cancer Risks and Management (per NCCN version 3.2019): Women: Breast cancer risk: Elevated at 60%-70% – Recommend clinical breast exam every 6-12 months starting at age 25, annual breast MRI with contrast starting at age 25, and annual mammogram with consideration of tomosynthesis starting at age 30; consider risk-reducing mastectomy. Ovarian cancer risk: …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post41420/

ICARE Social Media Post April 2020

EPCAM: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: EPCAM Cancer Risks and Management (per NCCN version 3.2019): Women: Endometrial cancer risk: Elevated at 21%-57% – Consider risk-reducing hysterectomy. Ovarian cancer risk: Elevated at 10%-38% – Recommend risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes). Men and Women: Colorectal cancer risk: Elevated at 43%-52% – Recommend colonoscopy every 1-2 years starting at …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post4120/

ICARE Social Media Post March 2020

PMS2: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: PMS2 Cancer Risks and Management (per NCCN version 3.2019): Women: Endometrial cancer risk: Elevated at 0%-15% – Consider risk-reducing hysterectomy. Men and Women: Colorectal cancer risk: Elevated at 12%-20% – Recommend colonoscopy every 1-2 years starting at age 20-25 Gastric cancer risk: Not well established – Consider upper endoscopy every 3-5 years beginning at …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post32420/

ICARE Social Media Post March 2020

Study Based on ICARE Participants with ATM and CHEK2 Mutations

Women with ATM and CHEK2 mutations have a lifetime breast cancer risk greater than 20%, which is the threshold at which screening through a breast MRI is recommended. A recently published study based on ICARE participants with ATM and CHEK2 mutations suggested that most female family members of ATM and CHEK2 mutation carriers do not …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post32020/

ICARE Social Media Post March 2020

MSH6: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: MSH6 Cancer Risks and Management (per NCCN version 3.2019): Women: Endometrial cancer risk: 17%-46% – Consider risk-reducing hysterectomy. Ovarian cancer risk: 1%-11% – Evidence is insufficient to make specific recommendations. Men and Women: Colorectal cancer risk: 15%-44% – Recommend colonoscopy every 1-2 years starting at age 20-25. Gastric cancer risk: 0%-5% – Consider upper …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post31720/

ICARE Social Media Post March 2020

Polygenic Risk Score and Colon Cancer Risk

A Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) is calculated using genetic differences throughout someone’s DNA, in combination with clinical and family history of cancer. This score, alongside environmental and lifestyle risk factors, may help to identify people who might benefit from screening at an earlier age. Important facts about PRS: – It does NOT look for changes …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post31320/

ICARE Social Media Post March 2020

MSH2: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: MSH2 Cancer Risks and Management (per NCCN version 3.2019): Women: Endometrial cancer risk: Elevated at 21%-57% – Consider risk-reducing hysterectomy. Ovarian cancer risk: Elevated at 10%-38% – Recommend risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes). Men and Women: Colorectal cancer risk: Elevated at 43%-52% – Recommend colonoscopy every 1-2 years starting at …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post31020/

ICARE Social Media Post March 2020

MLH1: Cancer Risks and Risk Management

Gene: MLH1 Cancer Risks and Management (per NCCN version 3.2019): Women: Endometrial cancer risk: Elevated at 43%-57% – Consider risk-reducing hysterectomy. Ovarian cancer risk: Elevated at 5%-20% – Recommend risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes). Breast cancer risk: Elevated at 12%-17% – Manage same as general population. Men and Women: Colorectal cancer …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post3320/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2020

PALB2 Mutations & Cancer Risk

A newly published study of 524 families with pathogenic PALB2 mutations from around the world, including almost 50 ICARE participants, represents the largest, most comprehensive effort to evaluate cancer risks.1 Results showed increased risks for female breast cancer (53%), ovarian cancer (5%), pancreatic cancer (2-3%), and male breast cancer (1%). Findings did not suggest higher …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/6nlw2020/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2020

Updates to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic

There were significant updates and restructuring of the guidelines, with some highlights included below: Substantial reorganization of the guidelines as follows: Now organized by organ site, rather than primarily by certain high penetrance genes Focused efforts to simplify genetic testing criteria Only one flow diagram included, to outline the ‘genetic testing process’ Following scenarios now …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/1nlw2020/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2020

Updated Pancreatic Cancer Screening Guidelines through CAPS Consortium

The International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS) Consortium recently published updated recommendations about pancreatic cancer screening through MRI/magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and/or an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).1 Specifically, these guidelines now recommend that individuals with a CDKN2A or STK11 mutation begin screening at age 40. Screening for individuals with a BRCA1/2, ATM, PALB2, MLH1, or …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/4nlw2020/

ICARE Social Media Post February 2020

Differences in Pancreatic Cancer Screening Recommendations from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS) Consortium

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS) Consortium recently updated pancreatic cancer screening recommendations. However, there are some differences between these recommendations. Specifically, screening with annual MRI/magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and/or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is recommended as follows for NCCN versus CAPS: STK11 regardless of family history: …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post2620/

ICARE Social Media Post February 2020

Updated Pancreatic Cancer Screening Guidelines through the International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS) Consortium

The International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS) Consortium recently published updated pancreatic cancer screening recommendations. The recommendations include: Screening with MRI/magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreaography (MRCP) and/or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) The screening was recommended for the following individuals: CDKN2A and STK11 mutation carriers starting at age 40 BRCA1/2, ATM, PALB2, MLH1, and MSH2 mutation carriers (if …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post2420/

ICARE Publication January 2020

Breast cancer screening implications of risk modeling among female relatives of ATM and CHEK2 carriers

Abstract Background: With the increasing use of multigene panel tests, pathogenic and likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants are identified more frequently in the moderate-penetrance breast cancer genes ATM and CHEK2. Lifetime breast cancer risk among women with P/LP variants in these genes generally exceeds 20%, meeting the threshold at which high-risk breast cancer screening through breast magnetic …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/pub12220/

ICARE Social Media Post January 2020

Ovarian Cancer Screening in BRCA1 Carriers

A new study of Polish BRCA1 carriers showed that screening through transvaginal ultrasound was not effective or  reliable in detecting ovarian cancer early. Consequently, preventive oophorectomy remains the only proven method to lower ovarian cancer risks and increase survival. Check out the article at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31500890. Check out the NCCN ovarian cancer screening recommendations for BRCA1 …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post11720/

ICARE Social Media Post January 2020

Women with BRCA1/2: Risk-reducing Mastectomy versus Screening

In a study of 5000 healthy female BRCA1/2 carriers (without a breast cancer diagnosis): BRCA1 carriers: after an average of over 10 years follow-up, survival was higher in those who had bilateral mastectomy (99.7%) compared to those who had breast screening through mammograms and breast MRIs (93%). BRCA2 carriers: no significant differences were seen between …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post11020/

ICARE Social Media Post December 2019

PALB2 Mutations and Cancer Risk

A new published study of 524 families with PALB2 mutations, including our very own ICARE participants, from around the world showed increased risks of female breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and male breast cancer. The level of risk for female breast cancer is enough to recommend cancer risk management. Cancer risk management includes screening or risk-reducing surgery. …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post121619/

ICARE Featured Video December 2019

NCCN Genetic/Familial Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic Guidelines

Below you may watch a featured video from the December 2019 Genetics Case Conference, which outlined updates to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.  

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/video121219/

ICARE Social Media Post December 2019

Updates to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Genetic/Familial Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic Guidelines (V1.2020)

We are excited to share the latest version of the NCCN Genetic/Familial Breast, Ovarian and Pancreatic Guidelines (V1.2020), which were just updated. Some of the changes made include: PALB2 was added as a high penetrance gene (similar to BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, PTEN and TP53) It is appropriate to consider risk reducing mastectomy for cancer risk management …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/post12419/

ICARE Publication April 2019

International trends in the uptake of cancer risk reduction strategies in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation

Abstract Background: Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation face high risks of breast and ovarian cancer. In the current study, we report on uptake of cancer screening and risk-reduction options in a cohort of BRCA mutation carriers from ten countries over two time periods (1995 to 2008 and 2009 to 2017). Methods: Eligible subjects were identified …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/pub41119/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2019

Advances in Biomarkers to Detect Pancreatic Cancer Early

Early detection of pancreatic cancer is tremendously important, given that most patients who develop the disease are diagnosed at a later stage of the disease when it is usually incurable. Although screening through imaging studies has been proposed (i.e., magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and/or endoscopic ultrasound),1 data to support this type of screening as an …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/12nlw2019/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2018

Getting Closer to Detecting Cancers Early Through a Blood Test?

A recent study reported on a single blood test, named “CancerSEEK”, which can screen for 8 common types of cancer (ovarian, liver, stomach, pancreas, esophagus, colorectal, lung, and breast) and may help to identify the location at which the cancer started. This test evaluated the blood from over 1000 patients with Stage 1 to 3 …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/2nlw2018/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2018

Advances in Cancer Screening Among Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Patients

Several research groups from around the world that have conducted cancer screening among patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome and a germline TP53 mutation have recently reported on their observations. Specifically, the National Cancer Institute group demonstrated that screening inclusive of rapid total body MRI detected cancers at an early stage,1 similar to findings published through other …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/5nlw2018/

ICARE Newsletter Summer 2017

Ask the Expert

The following question was addressed by Dr. Steven Narod who is a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Breast Cancer and a senior scientist at the Women’s College Research Institute in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Narod is a world-leader in the field of breast and ovarian cancer genetics. Q. In women with a BRCA mutation and …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/6nls2017/

ICARE Newsletter Summer 2017

What Are the Benefits of Adding a Mammogram to MRI for Breast Cancer Screening Among Women with BRCA Mutations?

Recently, researchers evaluated the benefit of adding a mammogram to MRI for breast cancer screening among ~2000 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Results indicated that the addition of mammography to MRI did not substantially raise the chance of detecting breast cancer in the overall group. However, one-third of breast cancer cases diagnosed among …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/7nls2017/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2017

New Study Suggesting BRCA1/2 and ATM Are Associated with Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Among 799 patients with prostate cancer, the rate of BRCA1/2 mutations was much higher among those who passed away of prostate cancer (6.07%) compared to those with low risk disease (1.44%).1 Among the group that died of prostate cancer, those with BRCA1/2 or ATM mutations passed away at an earlier age and had a shorter …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/3nlw2017/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2017

NCCN Guidelines Version 1.2017: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian

Additional guidance pertaining to cancer risk management was provided in the most recent version of the NCCN Guidelines for inherited breast and ovarian cancer. These guidelines now include an expanded table outlining cancer risks and management for each gene, taking into account the age at initiation of each risk management modality as well as footnotes …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/1nlw2017/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2017

The Potential Promise of Immunotherapy Targeted to Those with Bi-Allelic Mutations in Lynch Syndrome Genes

People with Lynch Syndrome have a non-working Lynch gene (“mutation”), while the other copy of that gene is normal (recognizing that all of these genes come in pairs, with one member of the pair coming from each parent). Over the last few years, there has been an increased realization that some individuals have a mutation …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/2nlw2017/

ICARE Newsletter Summer 2016

Surveillance Among Individuals with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS): An 11 Year Follow-Up Study

Results from the original screening protocol for LFS1 were recently updated following collection of 11 years of follow-up data.2 Through this study, 89 patients with LFS were given the option of a clinical surveillance protocol consisting of a physical examination as well as frequent biochemical and imaging studies. Forty asymptomatic tumors were detected in 32% …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/4nls2016/

ICARE Newsletter Summer 2016

An Approach to Making Risk Management Recommendations for Newer Inherited Cancer Genes

A recent article sought to develop an approach to cancer risk management among individuals with mutations in newer inherited cancer genes, many of which result in a moderate (rather than ‘high’) cancer risk. Overall, the investigators suggest a framework that takes the age-specific, lifetime, and absolute cancer risks into account for inherited cancer genes where …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/3nls2016/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2016

More Information About the Inherited Component of Pancreatic Cancer

Although pancreatic cancer is one of the cancer types seen among individuals with mutations in inherited cancer genes (including BRCA2 and BRCA1), the proportion of individuals with pancreatic cancer who have an inherited cause has remained uncertain.  To further clarify the role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA), over 300 patients with pancreatic cancer were tested …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/7nlw2016/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2015

Highlights of the 2014 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Update

Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian Guidelines For breast cancer screening in BRCA carriers, yearly MRI is recommended starting at age 25; mammograms may be considered in instances where MRI is unavailable or individualized based on earliest age of onset in the family. From age 30-75, annual mammogram and breast MRI is recommended.  Above age …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/5nlw2015/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2015

Highlights of the 2014 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Update

Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal Guidelines Recommendation that tumors from newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients be screened for Lynch syndrome (called “Universal Tumor Screening”). A new algorithm was created for Routine Tumor Testing Criteria for Lynch Syndrome Surveillance/Management recommendations were refined by gene for the various Lynch Syndrome genes. Management recommendations were refined for other inherited …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/6nlw2015/

ICARE Newsletter Summer 2014

Early Results to Suggest That PSA Screening May Help to Detect Prostate Cancer Early in Men with BRCA Mutations

Over the last few years, there have been a number of studies to suggest that men with BRCA mutations, particularly BRCA2, have a higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. It remains uncertain whether these men might benefit from screening through the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Within the last few years, PSA screening guidelines in …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/1nls2014/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2014

Recent Evidence to Suggest That Individuals with Germline Mutations in the PTEN gene (Which Leads to Cowden Syndrome) May Have Higher Renal Cancer Risks

Cowden Syndrome is an inherited condition that leads to higher risks for breast and thyroid cancer, and possibly other cancers.1 There have been a few recent studies that suggest that this condition also puts individuals at a higher risk for kidney cancer. Specifically, Tan et al2 reported a lifetime risk of 30.6% (95% CI: 17.8-49.4) …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/3nlw2014/

ICARE Newsletter Winter 2014

Ask the Expert

The following question was addressed by Dr. Laronga who is a breast surgeon based at the Moffitt Cancer Center: Q. What are the risks of breast cancer after ovarian cancer in BRCA carriers? What risk management options are recommended? A. BRCA carriers remain at a higher risk of breast cancer, even after having ovarian cancer; …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/4nlw2014/

ICARE Newsletter Summer 2013

Ask the Expert

The following question was addressed by Dr. Pal, who is a Clinical Geneticist based at the Moffitt Cancer Center: Q. Does exposure to radiation increase breast cancer risk in BRCA mutation carriers? A. A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate whether BRCA mutation carriers may be more prone to radiation-induced breast cancer than …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/6nls2013/

ICARE Newsletter Summer 2012

Emerging Cancer Panels for Testing Patients for Inherited Cancer Predisposition

Genetic testing for inherited cancer predisposition is typically performed by testing for one condition at a time. However, with the tremendous advances in genetic testing technologies over the last few years, the cost of testing has plummeted. To put this into perspective, the first human genome cost 2-3 billion dollars to sequence and took over …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/1nls2012/

ICARE Newsletter Summer 2012

Prostate Cancer Screening Recommendations for Men with BRCA Mutations

Over the last few years, there have been several studies that suggest that men with BRCA mutations are at a higher risk for developing and dying from aggressive prostate cancer. It is possible that PSA testing may be of benefit in men with BRCA mutations. However, until the utility of PSA is determined in these …

Continue reading

Permanent link to this article: https://inheritedcancer.net/2nls2012/