In May 2013, Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie made headlines
when she announced that she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy. Her
controversial decision came after test results showed that she had 87 percent
of getting breast and ovarian cancer because of a high-risk gene.
Since then, Jolie’s health issue has brought the issue of
hereditary cancer to the fore, encouraging women all over the world to get
tested and seek consultations. Dubbed “the Angelina Jolie effect,” researchers
found that testing rates increased from about 350 a week prior to Jolie’s news
to about 500 a week after her announcement, reflecting a 40 percent increase.
Health experts welcomed this surge in cancer awareness and
spur of action, especially since cancer does run in some families.
Approximately 5 to 10 percent of all cancers develop because a person inherited
a genetic mutation in a way that encourages the disease to grow, according to
Myriad Genetics. Myriad is the company that offered BRACAnalysis, the test used
by Jolie to determine her cancer risk.
As the demand for more comprehensive gene tests soared, Myriad
has launched a new multi-hereditary cancer panel, called myRisk Hereditary
Cancer. Currently, Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD), the leading diagnostics
center in the country, is exclusively providing this globally renowned test in
the Philippines.
“Individuals with certain genetic mutations are far more
likely to develop cancer, often at a much earlier age than most people. As
such, knowing a patient’s genetic makeup can help reduce risks and lead to the
correct management of the disease,” said Dr. Karl T. Morales, a Surgical
Oncology & General Surgery doctor and a Fellow of American College of
Surgeons.
Myriad myRisk is a risk assessment test that detects gene
mutations associated with eight major cancers. This includes cancer of the
breast, ovarian, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma, prostate and
endometrial, which can all be associated with a single gene.
“What makes Myriad myRisk different from other tests is that
this is the only hereditary cancer test combining your genetic information with
your personal and family history, in order to generate guideline-based
management options to help you lower cancer risks,” Dr. Morales said.
He clarified that Myriad myRisk does not determine whether
one has cancer – rather, the test looks at multiple genes that impact inherited
risks for eight important cancers.
Testing multiple genes helps avoid missing a possible
cancer-causing mutation. “These test results provide critical information for
your healthcare provider to make optimal medical decisions and take action in
building a personalized cancer risk-reduction plan,” Ong-Sue added.
If one tests positive in the myRisk test, it means the
individual carries a genetic mutation that increases cancer risk. The myRisk
report is a helpful tool to understand a patient’s options, leading to
management recommendations for specific cancer risks. With these recommendations,
the patient and healthcare provider discuss and determine the right course of
management, including improved screenings, preventive medication, and risk-reducing
procedures.
Considered to be the global benchmark in accuracy and in
offering fast turnaround time for panel testing, Myriad myRisk is among the
range of special diagnostic tests that HPD offers.
Currently, HPD is one of the widest networks of diagnostics
centers in the country. “We want to make the most comprehensive diagnostics
services with the latest testing technologies accessible to more Filipinos,
because we believe everyone deserves high quality healthcare,” HPD Vice
President for Sales and Marketing Melissa OngSue-Lee said.
Known to be a pioneer in the industry, HPD continues to
innovate service delivery to its clients. Highly trained, licensed professional
medical technologists who conduct integrated and fully automated laboratory,
imaging, and special tests, as well as other forms of examinations man its
facilities, furnished with state-of-the art equipment and software.
For more information about Hi-Precision Diagnostics, the
Myriad myRisk Hereditary Cancer test, as well as other diagnostic tests, visit
www.hi-precision.com.ph or contact their hotlines, (02) 741-7777 or (02)
863-9999.
