“Rockville Centre Woman Takes Preventive Measures to Break Cycle of Cancer”
Beth Gary, a 35-year-old mother of two from Rockville Centre, has lost both her grandmother and mother to cancer. Determined to break the cycle, Gary discovered that she has a gene mutation that puts her at a greater risk of developing cancer. Over the past 2½ years, she has undergone multiple surgeries to remove her breasts, ovaries, and fallopian tubes in the hope of preventing the disease.
Despite not having any evidence of cancer, Gary opted for preventive surgery after learning about her genetic predisposition. Experts reveal that more women with a family history or genetic mutations for ovarian and breast cancer are choosing preventive surgery, even without any signs of the disease. For those with certain genetic mutations like the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, preventive mastectomies have been shown to prevent the majority of women from developing breast cancer, according to Dr. Arnold Baskies, chairman of the American Cancer Society’s Global Health Advisory Council.
Additionally, studies have demonstrated that the removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women with specific gene mutations. It’s important to note that these extensive preventive surgeries, known as prophylactic surgeries, are most effective for individuals at the highest risk of developing cancer due to gene mutations. Family history also plays a crucial role in the consideration of these options.
The significant increase in the rate of prophylactic mastectomies has been attributed to the “Angelina Jolie effect.” Jolie, who went public with her decision to have a preventive double mastectomy in 2013 due to her family history of cancer and her BRCA gene mutation, inspired numerous women to seek genetic testing and consider preventive surgery.
Dr. Noah D. Kauff, chief of cancer genetics at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, explains that women who have the BRCA1 mutation have a 65% to 80% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, compared to 12.5% in the general population. Furthermore, women with the BRCA1 mutation have a 40% to 50% chance of developing ovarian cancer, compared to only 1.2% in the general population.
The surgical procedures come with their own sets of risks, including early menopause for younger women who have their ovaries removed and a loss of sensation from breast tissue removal. However, promising research suggests that cancers may originate in the fallopian tubes rather than the ovaries, potentially allowing younger women to keep their ovaries and avoid early menopause in the future.
Beth Gary discovered she had the BRCA2 gene mutation a decade ago, following her mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis. Her grandmother also died of ovarian cancer when Gary was just five years old. Taking a proactive approach, she had the preventive surgeries after completing her family. Unfortunately, shortly after Gary’s surgery, her mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away just eight weeks later. People with the BRCA2 gene mutation have an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Gary now undergoes regular screenings for pancreatic cancer to monitor her risk. Determined to break the cycle of cancer in her family, she remains vigilant and emphasizes the importance of finding a way to overcome this inherited risk.
Both Dr. Baskies and Dr. Kauff advise women with BRCA gene mutations or breast cancer to thoroughly discuss all treatment options with their healthcare providers. While preventive surgery may not be necessary for women with small cancers in one breast, intensive screening can also be an effective method of preventing advanced breast cancer. For individuals with other types of cancer gene mutations, such as ATM and CHEK2, it is essential to evaluate the associated risks with an expert before making any decisions about surgery.
In conclusion, Gary’s determination to break the cycle of cancer in her family highlights the increasing number of women opting for preventive surgery due to genetic mutations or family history. While these surgeries come with risks, they have the potential to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Continued research and discussions with healthcare professionals can help guide individuals in making informed decisions about their care.