Dr. Theodora Ross shares and explores the scientific and human nuances, challenges and hopes in the world of cancer genetics. An oncologist, Ross was diagnosed with melanoma and learned she has a hereditary cancer mutation. She weaves her personal experience to accentuate the rich content and information that can benefit patients, family and professional caregivers when faced with cancer or the increased probability of cancer due to heredity.
As emphasized in her book, “Every cancer is genetic.” Ross not only explains the biology of genetics in cancer but also addresses the medical and personal journey in navigating the course. This book is a great guide and educational resource for anyone, professional or otherwise, who has minimal understanding of the genetics of cancer or for the person who is in the throes of trying to decide if and how to proceed with genetic testing, outcomes and treatment decisions. It also provides an excellent education on advancements of new targeted therapies (e.g., hormonal therapies, immunotherapies) and their benefits in the treatment arsenal. Also included: insight and education on prophylactic interventions for persons who do not have a diagnosis of cancer but are carriers of cancer-causing mutations.
By using her own family’s experiences and additional case examples, Ross amplifies the “personal” aspect of having to address and seek additional answers when there is awareness or knowledge that one may be susceptible to a family disposition to cancer. The book delves into concepts of cancer shame, cancer secrecy and the cultural nuances of when a family member is faced with cancer. She shares examples of her own discoveries regarding her own ethnic lineage that she was unaware of, and expands this to other situations such as adoptions and secret relationships that are exposed in a situation when a person has been diagnosed with a likely cancer-causing mutation gene.
Ross also offers specific task-oriented suggestions—what to do, who to contact, what questions to ask your doctor, how to know if your doctor is communicating effectively, what questions to ask and how to communicate concerns and information. She addresses privacy and HIPAA concerns and limitations as well as costs and insurance barriers.
This book also contains an appendix on the “Risk Management for Inherited Cancer Syndromes” as well as a section of additional resources on cancer and specific hereditary cancers. While she recognizes the doubts and cancer shame and secrecy that can be barriers to overcome, the author also cautions against desperate “hypes” promising unproven cures and treatments, and emphasizes the importance of cancer research and data sharing for cancer genetics. As per Ross, “Knowing about a cancer mutation gives you power. It gives you options and lets you make decisions before cancer makes them for you.”