Episode 70. Familial Cancer Screen with Dr Lucy Gately - Part 2

Genetic testing for cancer is important for a small number of families at increased risk due to the inheritance of genetic mutations. Most commonly this involves the inheritance of breast cancer genes such as the BRCA 1 and 2 or colorectal cancer genes such as the Lynch syndrome genes. Although these only represent a small percentage of total cancers reported there is significant public interest in these syndromes.

We have a further discussion with Dr Lucy Gately from the Cabrini Family Cancer Clinic in this episode in regard to the BRCA 1 and 2 genes on chromosome 17 inherited by 1:400 women and men, and the Lynch syndrome genes which are accounted for by five mutations inherited by about 1:280 people. The Lynch syndrome is believed to affect about 80,000 Australians of whom perhaps only 5% know they have inherited this mutation. Whilst the BRCA 1 and 2 genes are associated with both breast and ovarian cancer in women, BRCA 2 inheritance may also imply an increased incidence of prostate cancer and breast cancer in men. Lynch mutations have been associated with up to 12 different forms of cancer although colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer are most highly represented by these mutations.

It is a great pleasure to discuss this fascinating subject in more detail with Dr Lucy Gately whose expertise on this complex subject is generously shared.

Useful references include:

- www.cabrinicancerclinic - BRCA gene mutations

- Genetic Testing Fact Sheet – www.cancer.gov

- Genetics: Breast Cancer Risk Factors – breastcancer.org

- BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer – www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

- Lynch syndrome – www.cancer.net

- What is Lynch syndrome – Lynch syndrome Australia – lynchsyndrome.org.au

- Understanding genetic tests for Lynch syndrome – Centre for genetics – www.genetics.edu.au

To be a guest on the show or provide some feedback, I’d love to hear from you: manager@gihealth.com.au

Dr Luke Crantock MBBS, FRACP, is a gastroenterologist in practice for over 25 years. He is the founder of The Centre for GI Health, based in Melbourne Australia and is passionate about educating General Practitioners and patients on disease prevention and how to manage and improve their digestive health.