Discovery of Genetic Predisposition to Cancer Prompts New Legislation

Story originated on NBC Nightly News this week:

Kate Barasz's honeymoon wasn't supposed to start this way: staring at ultrasound pictures of her abdomen trying to explain the sudden pain that had landed her in the hospital.
But ever since she had a genetic test done when she was 18, she's afraid severe pain could mean bad news.

"My mom had breast cancer when I was 9 and she was 31,” she says. “Her mother had breast cancer when she was 35, my great grandmother died of ovarian cancer."

The test confirmed Kate Carries the BRCA-1 gene.  That means an 80% chance of breast cancer some day, and the possibility of developing ovarian cancer.

Scared of losing her job or insurance, she told no one.

“That fear often stops people from using testing that would actually be beneficial to them," says Andy Faucett, Genetic Consultant at Emory University.

"No American should be denied health insurance or denied a job because of genetic tests," said U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy - (D) Massachusetts last week.

Now after 10 years Congress is set to pass a law making it illegal for insurers to refuse coverage or raise a customer's premiums, based on genetic test results -- and prohibiting insurers or employers from seeking genetic information.

Some business groups oppose the measure.

"I think the bill does lack a common sense approach in understanding how employers collect and use health care information in normal, routine human resource functions," says Michael Eastman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Still, for 24-year-old Barasz, it would be a relief.

"Just like you wouldn't turn me away because I'm a woman, you can't turn me away because I have BRCA-1," she says.

Thankfully, her abdominal pain was caused by a benign ovarian cyst.

She's now hoping, under the new law, she's able to confidently share her genetic risk factors with her doctors.

Just in case you wondering, BRCA-1 is a breast cancer gene. There's also a BRCA-2 breast cancer gene. If you have it, that means you are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer from a family member.

Only 5 - 6% of all breast cancers are associated with an inherited gene mutation.
It's mainly in younger aged women. St. Joseph's/Candler was recently part of a BRCA study. 

Now here's how to go about joining the WSAV, St. Joseph's/Candler free Buddy Check 3 program:
• Choose a buddy and mark the third of each month on your calendar... that's this Saturday.
• Remind your buddy to do the breast self exam.
• If you find a lump - call your doctor.

To join call 912-819-2277 or 1-866-SJC-2WIN.