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Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancers with Primary Providers Reveals Opportunities to Prevent and Manage Cancer Risk
Doctors have long known that inherited gene mutations can significantly increase a patient’s lifetime risk for developing cancer. Since prevention is the first line of defense, the US Preventative Services Task Force recommends that primary care physicians assess women with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer. The American College of Obstetrics and
Gynecology’s Committee on Genetics makes essentially the same recommendation: “A hereditary cancer risk assessment is key to identifying patients and families who may be at increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. This assessment should be performed by obstetrician–gynecologists or other gynecologic care providers and should be updated regularly."
WNYPHYSICIAN.COM VOLUME 4 I 2021 I 5
