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Houston Methodist genetic counselor said your father’s side matters more than you think
Hereditary cancer is often associated with the maternal side of a family, but fathers can pass genetic mutations to their children as often as mothers according to Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital genetic counselor, Morgan Gutierrez. In recognition of National Hereditary Cancer Week, she encourages those with a family history of cancer to consider genetic counseling and testing.
“Genetic testing looks for inherited mutations that may increase cancer risk,” Gutierrez said. “If a parent carries a BRCA gene mutation, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it.”
Among the most well-known hereditary cancer genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2, which Gutierrez said are associated with increased risks of breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic and male breast cancers. Other hereditary cancer syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, may increase the risk of colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, stomach and other cancers.
“Paternal family histories are often overlooked because men may not develop the cancers most commonly associated with certain mutations, like breast or ovarian cancer,” Gutierrez said. “That missing information can be critical when assessing inherited cancer risk and determining whether genetic testing may be appropriate.”
Gutierrez said family history extends beyond parents to aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents on both sides of the family.
“Understanding your family’s cancer history can help guide prevention and early detection,” Gutierrez said. “We encourage people to learn as much as they can about their family’s health history and discuss any concerns with their care team.”
Gutierrez said people should speak with a healthcare provider or genetic counselor if their personal or family history includes:
▪ Cancer occurring at or before age 50
▪ One or more cancer diagnoses
▪ Carrying a change in a gene that’s known to cause cancer, such as BRCA1/2
▪ Cancer in multiple close relatives on one side of the family
▪ History of rare types of cancer
▪ Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry on one or both sides of the family
How genetic counseling and testing works:
▪ Referral required: Patients interested in genetic counseling should speak with their Houston Methodist primary care provider, OB/GYN or oncologist for a referral.
▪ Testing: Blood or saliva samples are collected and sent for analysis. Testing often begins with a focused panel of 8-10 high-risk genes, followed, when appropriate, by a broader panel of up to 82 genes.
▪ Results: Results are typically available within 3-4 weeks and are often reviewed during a follow-up appointment, which may include a high-risk assessment and recommendations for additional screening.
Houston Methodist offers the High Risk Cancer Program which is dedicated to identifying and caring for individuals who have higher-than-average risk of developing cancer.
“Knowing your family’s cancer history can help guide prevention and early detection,” Gutierrez said. “During National Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week, we’re reminding people that every branch of the family tree can provide important clues about inherited cancer risk. Knowing about breast cancer on your paternal side is just as important as knowing about prostate cancer on your maternal side.”
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Source: Houston Methodist
