Reporter: Ann Komis
May 13, 2008

Source: http://www.14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=8313797

We seem to be at a higher risk for all types of cancer in the Tri-State. But, most medical experts agree, it has nothing to do with the air we breathe, or the water we drink or the food we eat.

It does, according to the experts, have everything to do with our mom and dad. It's our genes. And we know that because of a Jasper family, a world famous researcher and a simple blood test.

They are the pieces to a puzzle that could save your life, your children's lives and grandchildren's lives. Barbara Adam's family has a unique legacy. A legacy no one wants to share. "It was Matthew's gift to us to be tested," Barbara Adams said of her son Mathew who died of colon cancer at age 27. Mathew was first diagnosed at 23. Matthew wasn't the only family member to have colon cancer.

"It was three people in my family that had had colon cancer," Barbara said. Matthew's doctor suggested genetic testing. The test was positive for a genetic defect that can lead to colon cancer and 80 percent of people who test positive for it will develop colon cancer by age 70. Out of 29 of Barbara's family members, 7 have tested positive. Four have or have had colon cancer.

The world of genetics may seem far removed from the Tri-State. But, it's not. The genetic mutation responsible for the Adam's families colon cancer is named for a doctor who did his internship at St. Mary's. His name is Henry Lynch and the genetic defect he found is called Lynch Syndrome. Two Evansville physicians told Dr. Lynch, 7 years ago, there was a lot of cancer here. So he came back and found a huge incidence in a Jasper family. Sure enough, that family tested positive for Lynch Syndrome. A test that saved lives -- young lives.

"If you have this defect," Rick Ballou, MD, PHD, said, "you have colon cancer at an earlier age." For example, if Matthew had children, doctors would want to begin testing them at age 13. Ballou believes strongly in genetic testing for Lynch Syndrome, and not just because of colorectal cancer. It also increases the risk for endometrial cancers, like cancer of the uterus and ovaries. They are all treatable, if caught early. It just takes a blood test like that one called colaris, and early screening.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg," Ballou said. Ballou, Lynch and many medical experts said 80 percent of all cancers are genetic. That it is not the air we breathe or the food we eat. And Ballou believes, one day soon, we'll realize that applies to heart disease and other chronic diseases. "It's all about checking now," Ballou said, "and trying to prevent disease in younger family members."

That's why Barbara is telling her story -- Matthew's story. "He decided, for the sake of his family, he would be tested," Barbara said, "It wasn't going to change his outcome. He had been told his cancer had spread to his liver, very possibly his lungs, and all through out his lymph system. And so, uh, he did it for us."

Barbara tested positive for Lynch Syndrome. And she wants you to know about this genetic test. It costs $385 if you're looking for a particular DNA sequence, like Lynch. There are guidelines about whether it's something you might want to do. If you're concerned about getting a genetic or DNA test because your insurance company might cancel you, you are right to be concerned.

Here's the good news, the president will soon sign the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act into law. It forbids employers and insurance companies from using genetic testing to reject job applications or promotions or health care coverage, or in setting premiums. Are there other genetic defects that increase the risk of other diseases or cancers? Yes. In fact, Lynch is also the geneticist who discovered BRCA 1 and 2, the genetic mutation that can lead to breast cancer. He travels the world -- Japan, China, South America, Russia, Korea, you name it -- on his own time and with his own money developing programs to help identify these gene defects. He is a world famous geneticist, who had a part of his start right here in Evansville.

CONTACT:

Robin Lawrence, Director of Marketing
Evansville Cancer Center/Vantage Oncology
Office: 812-474-6000