CANCER GENETIC COUNSELING:
BREAST CANCER AMONG
ASHKENAZI JEWISH WOMEN
By
Sharon Fleiner Smith Kindron
Student ID Number: 12978
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy,
Individual Program –
Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Disorder Studies
at Century University.
To
Dr. William Mayhill,
Faculty Advisor
CENTURY UNIVERSITY
Feb 28, 2008
Approved____________________________________
Date Approved________________________________
© Copyright 2008
Sharon Fleiner Smith Kindron
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic Headings
Introduction
What does BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for?
How do alterations in BRCA1 and BRCA2affect a person’s risk of cancer?
Are specific alterations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 more common in certain populations?
What does a positive BRCA1 or BRCA2 test result mean?
What does a negative BRCA1 or BRCA2 test result mean?
What does an ambiguous BRCA1 or BRCA2 test result mean?
What are the options for a person who tests positive?
What are some of the benefits of genetic testing for breast or ovarian cancers?
What are some of the risks of genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer?
What can happen when genetic test results are placed in medical records?
What is genetic discrimination, and what laws protect people from this type of medical
discrimination?
How are the tests for BRCA1 or BRCA2 performed?
How much does testing cost and how long does it take to get the test results?
What factors increase the chance of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer?
Where can persons at risk get more information about genetic testing for cancer risk?
Discovering inherited cancer risk
Risks and symptoms
Breast self exam guide
So, what exactly is a BRCA gene anyway?
How are the BRCA genes found?
Why are Ashkenazi Jewish women especially at risk?
Why was the breast cancer predisposition gene test created?
Why undergo genetic counseling and BRCA testing?
Who can be tested for BRCA mutations?
What can the test tell me?
What is my risk if I am a BRCA carrier?
What can I do if I am a BRCA