THE ANGELINA EFFECTWhen actress Angelina Jolie had a preventive
double mastectomy and her ovaries removed, she sparked healthy
discussions around genetic counseling and testing—which can help
both women and men with an increased risk of cancer understand
their risks of inheriting it.
Most cancers, including breast cancer, are not genetic (or
inherited). Of the types that may be inherited, the most common
include breast, ovarian, and colon cancer. Genetic counseling is
recommended if you or your relatives have any of the following:
• Early-onset (under age 50) breast, colon, or other cancer
• Ovarian cancer at any age• Two or more relatives with breast
and/
or ovarian cancer• Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish
individuals with breast and/or ovarian cancer at any age
• Male breast cancer• Two or more cancers in the same
person (such as cancer in both breasts, breast and ovarian
cancer, colon and uterine cancer, melanoma and pancreatic cancer –
but not cancer starting in one organ and spreading to other parts
of the body)
CANCER RUNS IN MY FAMILY. SHOULD I GET TESTED? • Families with
any combination of
colon, rectal, stomach, uterine, kidney, small intestine, or
pancreatic cancer
• Multiple relatives with melanoma and/or pancreatic cancer
• People or families with numerous colon polyps
• People or families with rare types of cancer or multiple
(three or more) relatives with the same type of cancer
• Relatives with a BRCA or other cancer-associated gene
mutation
15611 Pomerado Road, Suite 106, Poway, CA 92064PHONE:
858.613.6121 | Fax: 858.613.6140EMAIL:
[email protected]
Cheryl is a board-certified genetic counselor specializing in
cancer genetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the
University of Virginia with a dual major in Biology and Spanish and
a master’s degree in genetic counseling from California State
University, Northridge. While in training, she participated in
clinical rotations at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA, Genzyme
Genetics and the City of Hope.
About Cheryl Cina, MS, LCGC
A genetic counselor will meet with you to discuss your medical
history and determine if genetic testing is appropriate. If so, the
results of the test are typically available in two to three
weeks.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN GENETIC
COUNSELING AND GENETIC
TESTING?
If a gene mutation is found, additional or more frequent
screenings—such as MRIs or mammograms—may be recommended.
For more information or to make
an appointment, contact Cheryl Cina at 858.613.6121 or
[email protected].
I’VE HAD CANCER. WHY SHOULD I SEE
A GENETIC COUNSELOR
NOW?
