Local Genetic Counselor Gives Advice for People Concerned About Genetic Mutation

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Breast and ovarian cancer are major concerns for women across the country and here in middle Georgia.

After the recent news that actress Angelina Jolie underwent a preventative double mastectomy, a lot of women have questions about the BRAC gene mutation that’s known to raise your risk.

Christine Delaney is the only genetic counselor in middle Georgia and says what women and men should do if they’re worried if they have the gene.

“The first and most important thing is to definitely talk to your doctor about your family history,” Delaney said. “Talk to your relatives, see what cancer is in the family.”

A double mastectomy isn’t the only procedure to reduce the risk of breast and other types of cancer. Delaney also says that increased screenings will catch breast cancer early at a treatable stage.

Another concern many face when thinking about getting the testing done is the cost. They think about whether insurance companies will cover the pricey test procedures.

Delaney says that while the tests aren’t a necessity, many with family history of the cancer should consider getting the testing done.

“It’s something that could benefit your health, to know that to put you at an increased screening, you’d be getting mammograms more often than the typical woman, doing more self breast exams than the typical woman.”

Anyone concerned with whether they have the genetic trait, should visit the Central Georgia Breast Care Center website at http://www.cgbreastcarecenter.org/gencounsel.asp

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