Genetic Testing Finds Cancer in Siblings
Duke Cancer Institute’s team of genetic counselors help people understand the test and connect with an oncologist.
Gail Gunter didn't hesitate to say yes when her surgical oncologist recommended she undergo genetic testing. Performed by Duke Cancer Institute’s Cancer Genetics Program, the testing would inform her and her surgical oncologist, Randall Scheri, MD, about her risk for developing future cancers, and whether a gene mutation had caused her thyroid cancer.
Since some mutations can run in families, the test results could benefit her five siblings as well. Cascade testing looks for the same mutation in close relatives. Finding the mutation helps detect cancer early and increases the chance of survival.
Talking to Your Family About Genetic Testing
“Telling your family that you have a cancer-causing gene mutation that they should get tested for isn’t always easy,” said Jennifer Halleck, MS, CGC, one of five full-time genetic counselors at Duke. Their job is to help people understand the test and connect with an oncologist.
“For many reasons, it can be overwhelming to share this kind of health information with family — estranged relationships, large families spread across the country, and concerns around privacy, to name a few.”
According to Halleck, genetic counselors offer several resources to start the conversation. For example, they will draft a personalized letter to your family members with information about your genetics and associated cancer risk. Details describe the benefits of testing as well as how and where to get tested. Possible testing sites include Duke, out-of-state, and at-home via a mail-in kit.
Three of Gunter’s Siblings Diagnosed with Cancer
Gunter knew that most of her siblings would follow her nudge to get tested. "I'm number five in our sibling lineup, but they call me the boss," she said. "We always share important health information. We're close because we grew up working together on a tobacco farm in Vance County."
She said the letters from Jennifer Halleck helped. "This is very complicated information, and I was glad not to have to explain it all to them."
Two of her sisters and one brother tested positive for the mutation and were diagnosed with early-stage cancer. Her sisters recently had their thyroid glands removed.
"They were having the same symptoms as me-fatigue and moodiness. But they didn't know cancer was causing that," said Gunter. "Now we are all feeling much better. My brother gets his surgery soon," she said.
