Genetic counseling helps woman, family make informed health decisions

Cancer runs in Rose Boettcher's family. The 67-year-old Cumberland, Wisconsin, resident has had three types of cancer herself: uterine, ovarian and, most recently, colon cancer that also spread to her liver.

"There's a huge history of colon cancer in my family," Rose says.

Those factors led Eyad Sufian Al-Hattab, M.D., her oncologist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to recommend that Rose undergo genetic counseling. Through a combination of genetic testing and counseling, Rose could learn about her genetic health, which in turn could help her make informed decisions about her health care.

Learning the options

Rose met with a genetic counselor at Mayo Clinic Health System, who explained Rose's options and helped her navigate the complexity of genetic testing.

"Being that I'm 67 and have already had three types of cancer, I guess I'm more proactive in my own health care," Rose says. "This was more for my children and grandchildren. If they learn they are at risk, they can go in for earlier screenings. If you catch them early, the success rate for treatment is a lot better."

Blood tests revealed that Rose has Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that increases the risk of colon cancer and several other types of cancer. Around 3% of colon cancers are caused by Lynch syndrome.

Learning from history to empower the future

Genetic counselors can meet with patients concerned about cancer, cardiovascular health or infertility, and couples for counseling before they are pregnant, as well as after they are expecting. Together, they review screening and testing options for various reasons, including if there is family history of a genetic condition and to determine if they are genetic carriers.

Good candidates for oncology genetic counseling include people who have:

• A significant personal or family history of cancer
• Been diagnosed with cancer under 50
• Rare cancers, such as ovarian or male breast cancer
• Had three or more relatives on the same side of the family with the same type of cancer 

Rose says she gained valuable information and has been urging family members to take advantage of genetic counseling. Her sister and niece have been tested, and both learned they have Lynch syndrome. Her son tested negative. Rose says she will continue to be an advocate for her family's health and well-being.

"I will encourage them to have cancer screenings and be proactive in their health care," Rose says. "If my story can help somebody else, that's a good thing."

Find additional resources on cancer:

• Get 7 tips to maintain or improve emotional well-being for cancer patients and caregivers.
• Learn ways to manage the fear of cancer recurrence.
• Get the facts about ovarian cancer.
• Find out why you should screen early and vaccinate against cervical cancer.
• Learn why you need a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
• Learn why screenings and lifestyle changes are key to colorectal cancer prevention.