#159 Black Cancer Genes on Breast Cancer

DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

We are ecstatic to announce that DNA Today won the Best 2021 Science and Medicine Podcast Award. A HUGE thank you to all you listeners who nominated and voted for the show. It is such an honor to win this award two years in a row. As you may recall, this is a People’s Choice Award, so it truly is thanks to your support that we won. It’s been such a fun journey over the last 9 years hosting and producing DNA Today and it’s because of you listeners that we have amazing sponsors who keep the show running. Thank you all again! We have so many more episodes to bring you and we hope you keep tuning to learn more about genetics.

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, Kira Dineen is joined by two representatives from Black Cancer Genes, Erika Stallings and Dena Goldberg (aka DenaDNA).

Erika Stallings is an attorney, writer and BRCA awareness advocate. In June 204 she learned that she carried a BRCA2 gene mutation, a hereditary cancer mutation that causes up to an 85% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. In December 2014 she underwent a preventative double mastectomy which lowered her risk of breast cancer to less than 5%.

Dena Goldberg Linder, MS, CGC (DenaDNA) is a licensed and board certified genetic counselor. She attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana for her undergraduate studies where she worked in a Molecular Anthropology lab studying ancestry genetics. Dena graduated from the Genetic Counseling Graduate program at UC Irvine. She worked at the UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program for four years as the Gordon and Betty Moore Endowed Counselor of Hereditary GI Cancer Prevention. Dena recently left this full time role to pursue Dena DNA and sees patients through Genome Medical. You can also hear her on episode 155 of DNA Today discussing genetic counseling grad school.

On This Episode We Discuss:

Black Cancer Genes

Genetic testing for breast cancer

Breast cancer risk among BRCA1/2 carriers

Racial disparities in breast cancer diagnosis

Genes prevalent in the black community

Raising awareness about genetic counseling in the black community

To learn more about Black Cancer Genes, visit their website. You can check out Erica’s work on Twitter and Instagram, and see what Dena is up to on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on October 29th, 2021 where I’ll be joined by Dr. Alwan of TERIS to discuss teratogens! New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can binge over 145 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. All episodes in 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [e-mail].

Want to chat with genetic counselors? You should attend the virtual open houses at Sarah Lawrence College! In these events you can learn what it’s like to be a genetic counselor. And you will have the opportunity to ask your questions live! You can also hear insight about the Genetic Counseling Master’s degree program at Sarah Lawrence College. It is the largest program in the world. Which means there are so many alumni to connect with, including myself. I graduated from the program last year and am really looking forward to chatting with you! The next open house is on October 28th followed by December 7th. Go to SLC.edu/DNAtoday to sign up for the free genetic counseling open houses. See you there! (SPONSORED)

Picture Genetics is a unique DNA testing service. Their Picture Wellness kit allows you to learn your genetic risks for cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Including the BRCA genes that we talk about throughout this episode. Unlike other companies, this is actually a clinical grade test where physicians and genetic counselors are involved. The test sequences entire genes that are medically actionable. It’s easy to order and understand with good looking reports! To order your kit go to picturegenetics.com and use code “DNATODAY” for 25% off and free-shipping! Get actionable genetic insights today to benefit your health tomorrow. (SPONSORED)

The Illumina mission is to improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome. With Illumina’s sequencing-by-synthesis technology, they have only just begun to discover the true impact of genomics in areas including oncology, reproductive health, genetic disease, agriculture, microbiology, and beyond. Knowing the discoveries that lie ahead is what inspires Illumina to push the boundaries of their imagination and constantly drive innovation. To learn more, visit illumina.com. (SPONSORED)

Do you or someone you know have Prader-Willi syndrome? Harmony Biosciences is looking for people with Prader-Willi syndrome to enroll in a new clinical study in the United States. Harmony Biosciences will be studying the safety and impact of an investigational medication on excessive daytime sleepiness, cognition, and behavioral function in people with Prader Willi syndrome. Check out their website to learn more about the clinical study and refer a patient to a study center. (SPONSORED)