Ms. Lu, who is over 60 years old, suddenly suffered continuous bleeding from her lower body while taking care of her granddaughter five years ago. After seeking medical treatment, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, although he recovered for a while, he relapsed again in 2019. Later, he received a BRCA gene test and found that the result was positive, which means he had a greater chance of developing malignant tumors, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Some clinical oncologists pointed out that BRCA gene mutation has no special symptoms, except that it is difficult to detect by test, and it can be passed on to family members.
However, surveys show that patients with the aforementioned four types of cancer do not have a deep understanding of BRCA gene mutations, and about 40% do not know that they may inherit it from family members.
The organization launched the BRCA genetic testing subsidy program, setting up 50 free testing places to encourage the relatives of the patients to receive testing.
The Travelers Alliance stated that if family members who are related by blood have BRCA gene mutations, they can participate in the "Family BRCA Genetic Testing and Genetic Counseling Subsidy Program", with a total of 50 places.
(Photo by Huang Weilun)
Abnormal cells will increase the chance of malignant tumor formation
Chen Yingle, a specialist in clinical oncology, pointed out that the BRCA gene is a gene that inhibits tumors and is responsible for repairing damaged DNA. Once a mutation occurs, the repair ability will be lost, causing the genome to become unstable and cells may appear abnormal, thus increasing the incidence of malignant tumors. Opportunities, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer.
She continued that the BRCA gene mutation may occur accidentally, and the specific cause is unknown; but it may also be hereditary. If there is a related gene mutation, there is a 50% chance of passing it on to the family.
Chen Yingle pointed out that the BRCA gene is a gene that suppresses tumors. Once a mutation occurs, it will increase the chance of malignant tumor formation.
(Photo by Huang Weilun)
In order to understand the awareness of BRCA gene mutations among cancer patients, the cancer patient mutual aid organization "Trader Alliance" conducted an online questionnaire in January this year to invite patients with the above four types of cancer to participate in the survey, a total of 100 people. Many respondents knew that breast cancer and ovarian cancer were related to BRCA gene mutation, 63% and 48% respectively, but only 30% of the respondents knew that it was related to prostate cancer; only 18% knew that it was related to pancreatic cancer.
Half of Pancreatic Cancer Patients Interviewed Don't Know BRCA Gene Mutations Are Hereditary
According to the literature, with BRCA gene mutation, the risk of prostate cancer is as high as 4.5 times; the risk of pancreatic cancer is also increased by 2 times.
The survey also showed that half of the interviewed pancreatic cancer patients did not know that BRCA gene mutations were hereditary, and two-thirds of the interviewed prostate cancer patients did not know that related gene mutations could be passed on to the next generation.
Overall, about 40% of the respondents did not know that they might inherit family members.
Liang Guangquan said that BRCA gene mutation not only increases the risk of cancer, but also affects the condition and treatment of cancer patients.
(Photo by Huang Weilun)
Gene-mutant cancer patients respond well to targeted drug inhibitors
Another clinical oncologist, Liang Guangquan, said that BRCA gene mutation not only increases the risk of cancer, but also affects the condition and treatment of cancer patients. For example, prostate cancer patients with related mutations have a shorter cancer survival period than other similar cancer patients. .
However, he also said that four types of cancer patients with related gene mutations can use targeted drugs PARP inhibitors, and have an ideal treatment response.
He suggested that if a relative has the relevant gene mutation, even if they do not have cancer, they should be tested for BRCA genes.
He also pointed out that if a relative has ovarian epithelial cancer, or multiple relatives have breast cancer, they should also be tested. Once the test result is positive, it means a higher risk of cancer, but it can be adjusted by adjusting lifestyle habits and physical examination. , reduce the risk of cancer.
He emphasized that people with BRCA basic mutations have no special symptoms, and it is difficult to know except for testing.
Ms. Lu, who is over 60 years old, suffered from cancer twice, and was found to have a BRCA gene mutation after testing.
(Photo by Huang Weilun)
Organized Family BRCA Genetic Testing and Genetic Counseling Subsidy Scheme
Ms. Lu, who is in her 60s, is currently taking care of her two granddaughters. In 2017, she suffered a sudden lower body bleeding and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Although she recovered for a while, it recurred in 2019.
Later, she received a BRCA genetic test, and the result was positive, Fang knew that she had a higher chance of developing cancer.
Fortunately, after receiving treatment, my current weight and physical condition have returned to the state before the illness, and I can still take care of my granddaughter. He said bluntly: "Thank you every day".
She is still receiving targeted therapy and hopes to continue caring for her granddaughter.
Ms. Lu has multiple siblings, but did not undergo genetic testing for fear of trouble.
The Fellowship Alliance stated that if family members who are related by blood have BRCA gene mutations, they can participate in the "Family BRCA Genetic Testing and Genetic Counseling Subsidy Program".
Those who are interested in participating in the program can visit the program website to register and undergo preliminary assessment. Eligible persons will receive genetic counseling and, with the consent of the participants, will arrange for blood draw for BRCA genetic testing. There are 50 places in total.
CUHK DSE No. 1 medical student and classmates analyze data to reveal that the risk of HPV infection in men is 60% easy to become anal cancer by disguising tumor suppressor genes. Doctors advocate the establishment of male preventive screening. Volunteers have survived the crisis. Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate and is prone to recurrence. Organizations promote safety nets to help cope with expensive drug expenses. Cancer prevention will take strict control measures to prevent infection. Only 11 residents are infected. Family members can accompany the patient to the last part of the road. Treatment options for advanced prostate cancer Increase hope for patients and prolong survival