Unlocking the Power of Genetic Testing in Breast Cancer Care: Insights from Dr. Allison DiPasquale
In an enlightening conversation with Learn Look Locate, Dr. Allison DiPasquale, a fellowship-trained breast surgeon and LLL Medical Advisor, shares her invaluable insights on the importance of genetic testing in breast cancer care, the complexities of interpreting results, and the power of knowledge in prevention and early detection. This article delves into key themes from the discussion, providing crucial information for those navigating their breast cancer journey or seeking to understand their genetic risk.
The Critical Role of Comprehensive Family History
Dr. DiPasquale emphasizes the importance of discussing all types of cancer in your family with your doctor, not just breast or ovarian cancers. She notes, “Some patients come in and say I have no family history of cancer, and then I talk further and they’ve got a history of pancreatic, thyroid, colon, ovarian… lots of other tumors and cancer sites can be linked genetically to breast cancer.” This comprehensive approach to family history is crucial in identifying potential genetic risks.
Understanding Genetic Testing and Its Implications
Dr. DiPasquale explains that genetic testing is a simple process, typically done through a blood draw or saliva sample. She distinguishes medical genetic testing from ancestry tests, stating, “It’s important to distinguish that genetic testing from like a 23andMe test or ancestry test because these ancestry tests do not have the ability to run the full genetic panel that the main genetic companies do.”
She also addresses the common misconception that if a family member tests negative for genetic mutations, others don’t need to be tested. She clarifies, “Genetics don’t work that way in terms of the genes that we’re talking about. The genes actually get passed down from the mom and the dad, so you get a 50% chance of getting your genes from your dad, a 50% chance of getting your genes from your mom.”
The Power of Knowledge in Prevention and Early Detection
One of the most powerful messages from Dr. DiPasquale is the importance of genetic testing in prevention and early detection. She states, “If you do get a positive result, I just look at you and say wow, that’s so powerful. You have so much knowledge not only for yourself to prevent or early detect anything for yourself, but also for your children and everyone else below you. You now have the ability to save people’s lives, including your own.”
Dr. DiPasquale emphasizes that genetic testing doesn’t always mean drastic measures like preventive surgeries. Instead, it often leads to increased screening and early detection strategies. She explains, “That knowledge has now plugged them into a system where they will get early detection every six months, adding in MRIs, different types of screening mechanisms to ensure that if they do get a cancer, that it’s detected so early that it’s inconsequential to them.”
Learn Look Locate: Empowering Patients Through Knowledge
Dr. Allison DiPasquale plays a significant role in the Learn Look Locate community, providing invaluable support and resources for those navigating the complexities of breast cancer care and genetic testing. Her involvement with Learn Look Locate underscores the organization’s commitment to providing accurate, up-to-date information vetted by medical professionals.
As Dr. DiPasquale puts it, “I’m very honored to be part of Learn Look Locate and I am helping out with the genetics page. Genetics is so important and not talked about enough when we talk about breast cancer.” Through her expertise and dedication, Dr. DiPasquale contributes to Learn Look Locate’s mission of empowering patients with knowledge and support throughout their breast cancer journey.
At Learn Look Locate, we are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date, expert-vetted information to support you on your breast cancer journey. Explore our resources, connect with our community, and empower yourself with knowledge.