Hereditary Cancer Syndromes

Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
& BRCA1 Gene Detection

There are many health conditions that tend to “run in families”, and when it comes to certain types of cancer, we call these hereditary cancer syndromes.

Dr. Amber Bradshaw-Whitear in Utah specializes using genetic testing to detect potentially cancerous gene mutations in women like BRCA1 and BRCA2. At Ogden Clinic, we aim to keep every patient informed of their risk for potential diseases such as breast cancer so they can plan their life accordingly. Depending on the interaction of a patient’s genetics (which you inherited from your parents) and your environment (your diet, activity levels, toxic exposures, etc…), you may be at risk to develop a certain type of cancer during your lifetime.

Dr. Bradshaw-Whitear can detect genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 through genetic testing for patients in Layton, Kaysville, Syracuse, Hooper, Brigham City, Bountiful, or surrounding communities. The presence of these genes can indicate potential for ovarian and breast cancer. While the exact cause of most cancers is unknown, a small percentage of cases can be traced through family genes. Thanks to advancements in scientific research, we now know that there are several genetic markers that are associated with conditions like ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and many more. Keep in mind, however, that just because you may carry a gene for a certain disease, it does not necessarily mean that you are guaranteed to have it.

When it comes to hereditary ovarian or breast syndromes, two genetic markers in particular stand out. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations have been shown to increase a woman’s risk of both ovarian and breast cancers. Ogden Clinic can help you patients in Layton, Kaysville, Syracuse, Hooper, Brigham City, Bountiful, or surrounding communities identify these genes and guide them to the proper course of ovarian and breast cancer prevention or treatment. Then there is Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) Syndrome, which comes from a single gene mutation, and confers a higher risk for a variety of cancers, including colon, ovarian, urinary, stomach, and biliary.

If you wish to make the most informed healthcare decisions that you can, you should jot down your detailed family health history, and talk to Dr. Amber Bradshaw-Whitear at Ogden Clinic in Utah about genetic testing, BRCA1, BRCA2, and ovarian and breast cancer symptoms, available for patients in Layton, Kaysville, Syracuse, Hooper, Brigham City, Bountiful, and surrounding communities. Because when it comes to taking care of yourself, now and into the future, knowledge is power!