Boston Herald gives a short intro to genetic testing
/Gene mutations alert patients to cancer risks
Genetic testing that alerts patients to harmful gene mutations is paving the way to aid in preventing inherited cancers.
Cape Cod natives and sisters Liz Ellis, Katie Paquin and Christine Leary, who were all diagnosed with breast cancer within one year, carry the PALB2 gene, which is found to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Dr. Michael Misialek, associate chair of pathology at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, said knowing about a family history of cancer is the first step in taking preventative measures against the disease and getting tested for harmful genetic mutations.
