New Colon Cancer, Lynch Syndrome Testing Available to
Patients: Minister Selby
New testing procedures to help identify patients at a
greater risk for inherited colon and other types of cancers are now in place
including testing for Lynch syndrome, a disorder that significantly increases
the risk of developing cancer, Health Minister Erin Selby announced today.
"Identifying the risks for cancer is critical to
providing the most appropriate care possible to the patient and at-risk
relatives, and we're pleased to offer this screening in our province,"
Minister Selby. "This testing will
give patients, their families and their physicians the information they need to
make informed decisions about treatment options, risk factors and a lifetime
care plan."
All colorectal cancer surgery patients aged 70 years and
under will receive testing for Lynch syndrome.
As a result of this testing, patients will have access to increased
cancer surveillance which could lead to earlier detection and improved cancer
survival rates.
Immediate family members of affected patients will also
benefit from this new testing, as it will help to identify their risk of
developing cancers and allow them to consider early detection and prevention
measures, the minister said. Manitoba's
cancer strategy highlights the importance of genetic testing in early diagnosis
as this type of screening can help oncologists tailor treatment for patients to
provide the most effective form of chemotherapy, she added.
"No one wants to find out they have cancer or that
an inherited genetic mutation caused it.
Worse still is seeing the cancer connection in your family but not
knowing what it is," said Megan Tucker, who is living with Lynch
syndrome. "To be able to do the
test right here in Manitoba is a wonderful step. Testing followed by routine screening for the
cancers allows me to be active in monitoring and managing my cancer risk and
increases the overall chances of extending my life."
Diagnostic Services Manitoba (DSM), the organization
responsible for Manitoba's public laboratory and rural diagnostic imaging
services, is now offering these new tests.
Genetic testing for breast cancer is also available and further
expansion of genetic screening for other forms of cancer, such as melanomas and
lung cancer, is being explored, Minister Selby said.
"We have a commitment to provide the results that
matter to our patients, and the topic of inherited colon cancer and Lynch
syndrome testing has been an emerging issue for the past several years,"
said Jim Slater, chief executive officer of Diagnostic Services Manitoba. "We understand how the local
availability of this important genetic testing will help to save lives through
earlier diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, and we are pleased to offer this
testing right here in Manitoba in partnership with CancerCare Manitoba and the
province."
Patients who have inherited the Lynch syndrome gene have
up to a 60 per cent risk of developing colorectal cancer at some point over the
course of their life. Women with Lynch
syndrome have up to a 60 per cent risk of developing endometrial cancer over
the course of their life.
"With financial support from the CancerCare Manitoba
Foundation, this unique joint effort enables genetic testing that can be
life-saving," said Dr. Sri Navaratnam, president and chief executive
officer of CancerCare Manitoba.
"Detection of colon cancer at its earliest stage means a 90 per
cent survival rate and Lynch syndrome testing is one more tool in our arsenal
against this deadly form of cancer."
The minister noted this investment builds on the
province's commitment to shorten the cancer patient journey. The $40-million IN SIXTY initiative strives
to expedite cancer testing and treatment for patients when cancer is first
suspected to help get patients the most appropriate care as quickly as
possible. The province also now provides
costly cancer medication free to patients to help alleviate the burden of this
disease on families.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.