Over 4000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year on the Gold Coast, with breast and prostate cancer being the two most common types of cancer diagnosed in men and women.
After being diagnosed with cancer, many patients are surprised to find out that there are unexpected out-of-pocket costs associated with their treatment. Some people, do not realise that there can also be long-term, debilitating side effects from their cancer treatment.
By getting to know the secrets held in your genes, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing cancer and from having to spend hundreds of extra dollars on your cancer treatment. You could also reduce your risk of suffering from the ongoing health issues associated with cancer treatment if you can avoid developing cancer at all, or if you do develop a cancer, you can have it diagnosed at a very early, easily treated stage.
For the average person, the Australian government recommends 7 healthy lifestyle factors to reduce the incidence of cancer, and hence reduce the cost of cancer treatment to the Australian taxpayers. Australians are advised: not to smoke; maintain a healthy weight; be active; eat a balanced and nutritious diet; limit alcohol consumption; be sun smart, and protect themselves from infectious agents (like viruses) that cause cancer.
One in three cancers are preventable, so by following these 7 recommendations, it is possible that 1 in 3 people, could eliminate their risk of ever developing cancer, saving themselves, and the country a lot of money.
But – what if you have unknowingly inherited a faulty cancer protection gene, and your risk of developing cancer is much higher than the average person?
Humans have around 20,000 genes in the nucleus of each cell of their body. These genes are the recipes for making the thousands of proteins that keep our bodies functioning correctly. Among these are hundreds of genes that protect us from developing cancer. If you have a fault in one of the cancer protection genes, your risk of developing cancer increases well above the average person’s risk.
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are two well-known cancer protection genes.
In women who have inherited a faulty BRCA1 gene, (like Angelina Jolie) their lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is estimated to be 72%. This risk is almost 7 times higher than the average women’s lifetime risk of 11.7%. Women with a faulty BRCA1 gene, are also likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50 years, whereas women at average risk of developing breast cancer, are more likely to be diagnosed after the age of 55 years.
Men who have a fault in the BRCA2 gene, have an estimated 60% lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer, compared to the average man’s lifetime risk of 17.9%. Men with a fault in the BRCA2 gene (like Beyonce’s dad) are likely to develop a more aggressive type of prostate cancer compared to a man with an average risk of developing prostate cancer.
In people who have inherited a fault in a gene that increases their risk of developing cancer, following the government’s advice regarding lifestyle factors, will do very little to reduce their chances of developing cancer. These people must do much more than lead a healthy lifestyle if they are to prevent or survive cancer.
Some people incorrectly think that inheriting a fault in a gene which increases their risk of developing cancer is like being handed a death sentence and that getting cancer is a certainty. This is not true.
People at high risk of developing cancer because of a gene fault, can prevent cancer altogether, or can be screened more often than the average person so that if they do develop cancer, it will be diagnosed at an early stage when the treatment is much simpler, and they are likely to have a complete cure.
How do you find out if your cancer was due to an inherited fault in your cancer protection genes?
We know that if we use your personal and/or family history of cancer alone to assess your risk of having an inherited fault in a cancer protection gene, we will miss finding a gene fault in about 50% of cases. Family history is a guide but is not the best way to find out if you have inherited a fault in a cancer protection gene.
The best way to find out if you are at risk of developing cancer, or if your cancer was due to an inherited gene fault, is to have a genetic test.
The cost of genetic testing has decreased rapidly in the last 10 years and is now affordable for most people (~Aus $350.00). Medicare now also funds many genetic tests, and recommends seeking the advice of a genetic counsellor or clinical geneticist, before proceeding with genetic testing.
A well-trained genetic counsellor, a geneticist or a medical specialist can determine if you are eligible for Medicare-funded genetic testing and can order the test for you.
Understanding the results of genetic testing can be difficult and can cause unexpected emotional responses. A genetic counsellor can help you understand your genetic test result, provide emotional support, and give recommendations on how to protect yourself from developing cancer. Genetic counsellors also assist with communicating your genetic test result to your family.
Tasman Health Care provides genetic testing and counselling for people with cancer, or for people who are worried about their risk of developing cancer.
Your GP or specialist can refer you to Tasman Health Care for a consultation and discussion about genetic testing. The waiting time for an appointment is less than two weeks. If you are not eligible for Medicare-funded genetic testing, the genetic counsellors at Tasman Health Care can arrange self-funded genetic testing for you.
Knowing what secrets are hidden in your genes could save your life, save you a lot of money and help protect your loved ones from developing cancer.
To make an appointment with one of our Doctors, Genetic Counsellors or team of Allied Health Specialists please contact us (07) 5613 2480 or reception@tasmanhealthcare.com.au.
