Come As You Are Decoding Genetic Cancer Risk with Dr. Susan Domchek from Decoding Women's Health
Nov 4, 2025
Dr. Susan Domchek, Executive Director of the Basser Center for BRCA and an expert in BRCA-related cancers, shares vital insights into genetic cancer risks. She discusses the significance of family history and ethnicity in passing on mutations, specifically highlighting Ashkenazi Jewish risks. Domchek explains modern genetic testing, challenges of direct-to-consumer options, and the emotional impact of learning one's genetic fate. She emphasizes proactive measures, the importance of genetic counseling, and emerging strategies for early detection and prevention.
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Proactively Offer Testing Via Providers
- Educate patients and proactively offer testing; clinician recommendation greatly increases uptake.
- Use electronic health records to flag at-risk patients and send testing invitations to boost scheduling.
Time Testing Around Decisions
- Consider testing by age ~25 if results will change medical decisions; start breast MRI surveillance then.
- Test earlier when using results for reproductive planning or preimplantation genetic testing.
Use Counselors With Direct-To-Consumer Tests
- If you use direct-to-consumer tests, consult a genetic counselor to interpret results and prepare emotionally.
- Check National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and insurance coverage before testing.