"In the Family" avalible online

You can view the full length documentary, In the Family, for free until 10/31/08. Click on the link below! http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2008/inthefamily/fullfilm.html Read more!

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique used to identify a known familial genetic mutation in embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before transferring them into the uterus. Couples have the option of transferring only those embryos found not to carry the familial mutation for implantation, if they wish. PGD is performed in conjunction with IVF and is offered for both fertile and infertile couples. This New York Times article discusses one family who used this technology because of their family history of Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC). To read more, please click on the above light blue link. Read more!

Do all female BRCA mutation carriers have the same risk, or is more accurate to consider a risk range?

Most families with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer have a mutation in the BRCA1 (breast cancer-1) or BRCA2 (breast cancer-2) genes. As you know, genetic testing for mutations in these genes has only become clinically available within the past 15 years. For this reason we do not have a great deal of long-term prospective data on individuals who carry mutations in these genes and it is most accurate to present mutation carriers with a range of cancer risks To read more about this New York Times article please click on the above light blue link. Read more!

NY Times Explores Risk Factors for Hereditary Cancers

All cancers are genetic in origin. When genes are working properly, cell growth is tightly regulated, as if a stoplight told cells to divide only so many times and no more. A cancer occurs when something causes a mutation in the genes that limit cell growth or that repair DNA damage. Click on the above light blue link to read more. Read more!

Selling Women Fear Through Genetic Testing Advertisements

Myriad is pushing its “BRACAnalysis” genetic test in ads and describes the test as “A genetic test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.” However, genetic testing isn’t truly a test for breast and ovarian cancer, but a test for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that are believed to be associated with some cases of breast and ovarian cancer. Myriad is attempting to convince women to be afraid of what lurks in their genes (understanding that many women are not knowledgeable about this topic), and to convince them to seek this expensive testing, ultimately benefiting Myriad’s bottom line. To read more click the above light blue link. Read more!

Two Women with BRCA Mutations- Two Different Decisions

Two women discuss their decisions of why/why not to have a bilateral mastectomy. Click on the above light blue link for the full article on MSN. Read more!

"In the Family" airs tonight

At 27, filmmaker Joanna Rudnick tested positive for a BRCA mutation. Armed with a positive test result she balances dreams of having her own children with the unnerving reality that she is risking her life by holding on to her fertility. IN THE FAMILY follows Joanna as she takes us on a journey through the world of predictive genetic testing.

The film will air on PBS on October 1, 2008 at 10:00 PM.

For more information about the film, please click on the above light blue link "In the Family" to be directed to the films website. Read more!