“Hereditary cancer makes up only 5 to 10 percent of all cancers,” Kathy Christiansen explains. “We use a specialized computer model to analyze whether a person’s risk exceeds that.”
The option of confidential genetic testing with a board certified genetic counselor is available to those, like Lorie, who are determined to be at increased risk. Lorie and Greg did not hesitate. They wanted to know everything they might be up against.
“Two decades ago, I lost my sister to pancreatic cancer. She was just 28,” Lorie says. “She is one of the reasons I wanted the test.”
The test confirmed that Lorie carries the genetic marker for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, or HNPCC. The HNPCC marker does not guarantee that a person will inherit or develop cancer. It means that a tiny gene alteration increases the risk slightly, especially for colon cancer and other cancers of the digestive tract. Lorie finds this knowledge empowering.
“Genetic testing made it easier to zero in on this for me,” Lorie explains, “and it can help identify family members at risk, early on, before cancer may develop.”
Because early detection remains the best weapon against cancer, Lorie’s physicians monitor her closely with a battery of screening tests, including colonoscopy, endoscopy, mammography, abdominal CT and MRI scans. Heightened vigilance is crucial for Lorie and for others who carry the HNPCC marker.
The decision to test for HNPCC is a very personal one. For Lorie’s daughter, Karen, the choice was easy.
“I was studying genetic testing in my college biology class at the time,” Karen says. “For me, this was a sign that I should test, too, because I could help explain the importance of testing and cancer prevention to others.”
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Karen admits to being teary-eyed, but not really surprised to learn that she carries the HNPCC marker. Very much her mother’s daughter, this energetic young woman refuses to let the news dim her bright outlook on life.
“My health is fine,” Karen explains. “I’m a normal kid, and this won’t keep me from being who I am.”
Karen does follow recommended preventive care, including colonoscopies every two years, and she makes room for broccoli and other cancer-fighting foods in her diet. Overall, she focuses her energy on the positive, a trait she picked up from the parents she adores.
“My mom is the strongest person I’ve ever known,” Karen says with pride. “She’s amazing, and we’re all so thankful for every day we get to be with her.”
The Olsons agree that their cancer journey is about love intensified and life’s most important lessons learned. As Greg advises, “Don’t
give up, no matter what,” and Lorie says, “Be strong. Hope is such a strong word.”
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