Hello,

Just to clarify --The comments that Ms.Smith and Ms. Rizzo said weren't about whether the testing is covered -its about the 'catch 22' situation created by teh lack of confidentiality of the results and the refusal of health providers to take on independent insurers who test positive. That was why the bill is in the House to begin with.
-thanks

Thank you so much for your post. We're glad to hear that the documentary moved you, and thank you for expressing your thoughts on the genetic testing controversy. Keep doing what you're doing - nurses are SO important!

Thank you LinkTV for the powerful documentary "The Breast Cancer Diaries." I am an oncology nurse practitioner and have been taking care of people like Ann Murray for over 20 years. What a brave and truly profound thing she did.

We have come a long way in those 20 years I have been taking care of cancer patients but there are so many unanswered questions. I was so happy to see your guest Jeannie Rizzo, RN during the breaks talk about what else could be part of the puzzle that is breast cancer and for that matter, other cancers as well. I discovered the Environmental Working Group's work and the "SkinDeep" website a few months ago while searching for more information as I try to eliminate and decrease exposure to chemicals that are known carcinogens for myself and my family.

What really disappointed me was when the discussion turned to genetic testing for breast cancer. I have been a Cancer Genetics Counselor for the last 8 years (one of several hats I wear at work). Contrary to what the host and Ms. Rizzo said, testing for BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are covered by most major insurance carriers, including Medicare. Criteria have to be met (you have to be at an increased risk for a mutation based on personal and family history) but as long as you meet the criteria, it is covered. The criteria for coverage, in most cases, follow the national guidelines outlined by major medical organizations, including the AMA. Aetna has surprisingly been on the forefront and developed guidelines for their members early on. The results are confidential and are not released to the insurance company. To date, there have been no known discrimination cases based on results of breast cancer genetic testing. Yes, there is a bill making it's way through Congress but we already have laws that protect us from discrimination such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and HIPPA. I think this misinformation is a disservice to your viewers who may benefit from testing-Knowledge is Power! It enables those 5-10% of people who have a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer take some control by making decisions about risk reducing surgery, increased surveillance, etc. There is also testing available for hereditary Colon cancer and hereditary melanoma.
The company that has done the most testing and is the source of a lot of the research and data regarding hereditary breast cancer is Myriad Genetics in Salt Lake City. They have an impeccable record and their website is very helpful for viewers who are interested in finding out more about hereditary cancer syndromes. Of course, anyone who is thinking about genetic testing should see a certified genetics counselor to review their risks and appropriateness for testing.I envision a day when genetic testing is considered as routine as a early screening colonoscopy for people who have a history of early-onset colon cancer in their family or a PSA for men over 50, (earlier if there is a family history).

I know this post is long but I felt it important for folks to know that genetic testing is becoming mainstream and should be part of the discussion with health care professionals for anyone with early onset cancer.
Thanks again for the documentary, it was a truly moving experience and reminded me again of why I do what I do-because CANCER SUCKS!!

Beth Capp,MSN, ARNP, AOCN
Ormond Beach, FL