Genetic Counseling: Personal Stories

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: Angela's story

"It gives me peace of mind to know that I'm doing everything I can to detect breast cancer as early as possible."

When she's at the park playing with her grandchildren, Angela Gomez doesn't worry about cancer. But it's often on her mind. Her mother had stage 4 breast cancer and died in her 40s. Angela also has relatives who have had ovarian and prostate cancers.

Angela had a cancer risk assessment with a genetic counselor. They discussed her family history, risk factors, and options, and Angela decided to have genetic testing. The results of her saliva test showed that Angela inherited a mutation in a BRCA gene, which means she is at increased risk for cancer. Angela and her providers discussed things she can do to over time to lower her risk, and she decided to take action. "I'm very glad I did it," Angela said. "Not just for myself, but for my family too."

See Angela’s hereditary breast cancer story. Watch a short video.
Credit: Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas

Hereditary colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome): Stephanie's story

"I can go and talk to my family about the choices I made and empower them to make those life-changing decisions as well."

Stephanie's father died of colon cancer when he was 52. Her uncle was diagnosed with colon cancer just a few years later, and an aunt had uterine cancer. "The first thing that came to mind was who was next and what could we do about it," Stephanie said.

Stephanie's family doctor recommended testing, and with guidance from her genetic counselor, Stephanie had a blood test to check for a hereditary gene mutation.

Stephanie's results showed that she inherited one of the four genes associated with Lynch Syndrome. She reviewed the risk reduction recommendations with her providers, like having more frequent screenings and possibly removing her uterus and ovaries. People at risk for Lynch Syndrome who follow screening recommendations can live up to 25 more disease-free years. Stephanie decided to take action.

"It was tough," Stephanie said, "but looking at my own personal life and my friends and family that mean so much for me, I decided this would be the right thing to do."

See Stephanie's colorectal cancer story. Watch a short video.
Credit: Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas