Hereditary Cancer Screening
at Middletown Medical
Overview
Middletown Medical is proud to now be the only provider in the region offering Comprehensive hereditary risk assessment and genetic testing – either Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome or Lynch syndrome. This offers people with a family or personal history of breast, ovarian, colon and uterine cancers peace of mind, as mutations or variations in genes passed from parent to child can drastically raise the risk of cancer (in some cases 100%) — and knowing if you’re at risk allows you to take action to reduce this risk in advance.
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Did you know:
- Genetic testing can help you determine if you are at increased risk for developing certain types of cancer.
- Coverage is excellent! Most insurance companies cover genetic testing at 100%.
About Hereditary Cancer
If you have reason to suspect that you or someone you know may be at risk for cancer, such as a family history of cancer, membership in an at-risk ethnic population, or other factor, we encourage genetic testing among individuals so that they can take action – preventing cancer to live longer healthier lives.
The Benefits
If a family member had cancer, however distant, there is a chance that a gene mutation was inherited that not only increases the present or future risk, but also could be passed along to the next generation.
If you or someone you know is a carrier of a hereditary cancer gene mutation, it could signal a risk for getting cancer earlier in life than someone in the general population. The sooner testing takes place, the easier it is to manage the risk appropriately.
Guidelines For Cancer Screenings
US guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening
American Cancer Society
- Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammography. The risks of screening and the potential benefits should be considered.
- Women ages 45 to 54 should undergo mammography every year.
- Women age 55 and older should switch to mammography every 2 years. or have the choice to continue yearly screening.
US Preventive Services Task Force
- The decision to start regular biennial screening mammography (ie. every 2 years) before age 50 should be an individual one and should take patient context into account. including the patient’s values regarding specific benefits and harms.
- Biennial screening mammography for women ages 50 to 74.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Women age 40 and older should have an annual breast examination, annual screening mammography. and education about breast cancer awareness
- Women should be counseled on the potential benefits, risks. and limitations of breast cancer screening.
US guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening
American Cancer Society
Beginning at age 50, men and women should use one of the screening tests below.
Tests that find polyps and cancer
(preferred):
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years
- Computed tomographic colonography every 5 years
Tests that find cancer only:
- Guaiac-based lecal ocalt blood test every year
- Fecal immunochemical test every year
- Stool DNA test every 3 years
US Preventive Services Task Force
- Screen for colorectal cancer using fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy in adults beginning at age 50 and continuing until age 75. The risks and benefits of these screening methods vary.
- The evidence is insufficient to assess the benefits and harms of computed tomographic colonography and fecal DNA testing as screening modalities for colorectal cancer.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Patients age 50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer with colonoscopy, high-sensitivity guaiac- based or immunochemical testing, or flexible sigmoidoscopy, plus or minus interval stool-based nesting at year 3.
US guidelines for Prostate Cancer Screening
American Cancer Society
Men should make an informed decision with the physician about whether to be screened based on an understanding of the uncertainties, risks, and benefits of screening. The discussion about screening should take place at:
Age 50 for men at average risk of prostate cancer with a life expectancy of at least 10 years
Age 45 for men at high risk prostate cancer (blacks, men would first degree relative diagnose with prostate cancer before age 65)
Age 40 men at even a higher risk (more than one first degree relative to diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age).
US Preventive Services Task Force
- Recommends against screening with prostate-specific antigen testing.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- Based on family history, race, and a history of prostate disease and screaning, men ages 45 to 75 should have a discussion with their physician about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening including prostate-specific antigen testing and digital recal examination.
US guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening
American Cancer Society
Patients who meet all of the following criteria may be candidates for lung
cancer screening:
- Age 55 to 74
- In fairly good health
- Smoking history > 30 pad-years
- Currently smoking or having quit smoking within the last 15 years.
US Preventive Services Task Force
Annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography in adults 5
55 to 88 who have a 30-pack-year-smoking history and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening should be discontinued once a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy or the ability or willingness to have curative lung surgery.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
For patients at hid: risk (ages 55 to 74 with a 30 pack-year or greater smoking history, smoking cessation less than 15 years ago)
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Age 55, with a 20-pack-year smoking history, and one additional risk factor other than second-hand smoke.