Genetic cancer screening for Namibians of Afrikaans heritage

New research by Stellenbosch geneticist Prof. Martha Kotze has shown that Namibians with an Afrikaans background may be more likely to carry the breast cancer genes known as BRCA 1 and 2, which are responsible for most hereditary breast cancers.Kotze works closely with oncologists from GVI Oncology (Panorama) who consult patients on a weekly rotational basis at the Paramount Healthcare Centre in Windhoek.According to research, 67% of Afrikaans breast cancer patients from high risk families were found to carry at least one of the potential killer genes.Cancer is a condition triggered by changes in the genes of a cell that result in uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth.Families with a strong history of cancer as well as Namibian patients with an Afrikaans heritage and family history of breast, prostrate, colorectal or pancreatic cancer, are candidates for genetic screening.This test is known as the “PCR BRCA Afrikaner”.Other familial breast cancer screenings are the “Afrikaner and Jewish founder mutations”, “Known family mutation” and the “Full screening of BRCA1 and BRCA2”.Hereditary risk assessment evaluations are done by the GVI oncologists at the Windhoek practice. Genetic testing consists of a blood test which can be done by one of the highly trained oncology nursing sisters at Paramount Healthcare Clinic.The following are red flags for a hereditary cancer predisposition:• A family member with a known inherited gene mutation (cancer);• ovarian cancer diagnosed at any stage;• the same type of cancer in several generations of the family; and• two or more family members with the same type of cancerKotze’s research has shown that cancers caused by different genes may respond differently to different types of therapy, thus making it possible to customise treatment for patients based on advanced micro array technology and next-generation sequencing. The GVI oncologists will work closely with the patient throughout the process.To make an appointment to see one of the GVI oncologists, contact Asmara Appolus at the Paramount Healthcare Centre on 287 1103 or aappolus@paramounthcc.com, or the practise manager, Jolean Louw at 061 287 1107 or jlouw@paramounthcc.com.

Genetic cancer screening for Namibians of Afrikaans heritage

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Republikein 2025-05-28

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Genetic cancer screening for Namibians of Afrikaans heritage

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Republikein 2025-05-28

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