PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has released a new resource aimed at helping individuals understand genetic testing and counseling for hereditary cancers. This patient-friendly guide provides essential information on identifying genetic mutations that increase cancer risk and details the latest recommendations from experts in the field of cancer genetics.
“No other landscape in medicine has changed as drastically as the field of clinical genetics,” said Mary B. Daly, MD, PhD, FACP, Chair of the NCCN Guidelines® Panel for Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment. Daly emphasized that advancements in technology, informed by the Human Genome Project, have drastically improved the ability to assess cancer risk, create targeted therapies, and educate both patients and providers.
The guide, titled NCCN Guidelines for Patients®: Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, and Prostate Cancer, is available for free and offers straightforward insights into the testing process. Its development was supported by the NCCN Foundation®.
Susan Friedman, DVM, Executive Director of FORCE and patient advocate on the NCCN Guidelines Panel, highlighted the importance of this resource. “Hereditary cancer is hard enough to navigate, so we are thankful for patient-friendly information to help inform the decision-making process,” Friedman said.
The guide also includes narratives underscoring the life-saving potential of genetic testing. Denise Portner, a breast cancer survivor and member of the NCCN Foundation Board, shared her personal experience. “Had I not known my genetic status, I would not have had the MRI screening that caught my breast cancer as early as it did. Genetic testing is a vital tool in enabling individuals to be proactive in their health care to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Heather Hampel, MS, a certified genetics counselor, echoed the need for awareness about personal and family cancer history. “This is the best way to ensure that you are doing everything you can to prevent cancer or catch it early when treatment has the best outcome,” she advised.
By equipping patients with reliable, accessible information, NCCN is empowering individuals to take charge of their health and make informed decisions about genetic testing and cancer prevention strategies.
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