Alabama Men & Women Learn Their Cancer Risk Through Information is Power

by Margetta Thomas

In 2014, world-renowned geneticist Dr. Mary-Claire King challenged the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology to offer free and reduced cost genetic cancer risk screening, regardless of family history.

HudsonAlpha accepted that challenge and launched the Information is Power initiative in 2015, which has continued to expand. Now in its fourth year, Information is Power has given 4,200 individuals more information about their cancer risk. The test, offered by genetic testing company Kailos Genetics, tests the well-known BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as several dozen other genes linked to breast, ovarian, colon and other cancers.

Jill Howell, a native of Huntsville, Ala. lost her mother to ovarian cancer 35 years ago. After turning 50 – the same age as her mother was when she passed away – Jill made the decision to undergo genetic testing to learn her ovarian cancer risk. Through Information is Power, Jill learned she was at a higher risk of getting breast cancer than ovarian cancer and underwent both a hysterectomy and a mastectomy.

Jill Howell

"By having the positive results, I was able to qualify to have a hysterectomy," she said, "The surprise was, I didn't know I was going to have a mastectomy, too. "I could have waited for the mastectomy for a year or even two years because the doctors would say we could find that early, but I didn't want them to find it, ever."

The test is offered for free to women and men 28-30 years of age who reside in Madison, Morgan, Limestone, Jackson and Marshall county. Other adults, 19 and older residing in those counties, may take the test for a reduced cost of $129.

Brad Garland of Decatur, Ala. wanted to learn more about his health risks and see what he could potentially pass on to his children. When he heard about Information is Power, he decided to add it to his Christmas list. “I have two children, so as an adoptee, it’s great to know that I found out a little bit more about my health history," said Brad.

Brad Garland

Three percent of participants have received a positive result, which means they have an increased risk of cancer. However, a negative result does not does not guarantee that you will never develop cancer.

Hannah Ward – who now lives in Birmingham but was a Huntsville reporter at the time of testing – said after watching her mother and grandmother battle breast cancer, she began to wonder, “Was I next?” This uncertainty drew her towards Information is Power. Although her results were negative, she still plans to frequently see and talk to her doctors about her family history.

Hannah Ward

"The most important part of the initiative is that it starts a conversation,” said Hannah. “I chose to take the test because I knew it was actionable information that would only help me prepare for the future.”

Information is Power is made possible by support from the Russel Hill Cancer Foundation, community partnerships and philanthropic support. To order a test or gift a test to a loved one, visit information-is-power.org.