Reining in Your Cancer Risk

Critical donor support is helping NorthShore in the pioneering field of personalized medicine. NorthShore's Mark R. Neaman Center for Personalized Medicine's unique approach to care help patients diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, like Elyse Azriel. Using the information in Azriel’s DNA, the healthcare team is able to leverage her inherited risks and be in a better position to help her with appropriate screening measures to identify a risk before it actually manifests itself.
A suggestion by Azriel’s primary care physician, NorthShore Internal Medicine’s Mary Shapiro, MD, turned into life-changing—and potentially life-saving—advice for the 27-year old
“Dr. Shapiro recommended that I consider genetic testing to determine my own cancer risk,” recalled Azriel. “At first I told her ‘no,’ since I had done one of those home DNA test kits that didn’t reveal any genetic mutations.” But after Dr. Shapiro insisted that NorthShore’s comprehensive panel of tests would provide a far more complete set of results, Azriel agreed.
Knowledge is Power
It was a smart decision, as DNA testing found Azriel carries a genetic variant for Lynch syndrome, an inherited predisposition for developing several types of cancer, including colorectal, ovarian, uterine—even skin and brain cancer.
“Technology has improved over the last decade to the point where we can analyze genes in greater numbers,” explained Senior Genetic Counselor Anna Newlin, who has been working with Azriel to maintain good health.
I thought to myself, 'I'm only 27. Why do I have to see all these doctors?' Then, as I learned more about Lynch syndrome, I realized that all the tests are designed to prevent cancer.
Elyse Azriel Mark R. Neaman Center for Personalized Medicine Patient
Collaborative Team Philosophy
Under the Neaman Center’s unique approach, female patients with Lynch syndrome who have never developed cancer are surrounded by a team of expert specialists. This includes gastroenterologists, gynecologic oncologists and dermatologists who can provide specialized screenings.
“Having Lynch syndrome doesn’t mean that cancer is inevitable,” noted Gastroenterologist Omar Khan, MD. “Through aggressive screening and prevention, we can keep people like Elyse out of harm’s way.” Azriel has regular visits with Dr. Khan and Medical Oncologist Allison DePersia, MD. Both specialists hold academic appointments at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
Not only has genetic testing become more sophisticated, but NorthShore also is making it more readily available on the front end of care. “Through the Neaman Center, we’re able to use genetic data from the get-go to develop the right strategies to predict and treat disease,” added Dr. Khan. “Testing at the primary care level impacts patients at increased risk because we can actually prevent their cancers from ever having a chance to develop.”
A certified rehabilitation counselor and therapist, Azriel is grateful for the experience she had at the Neaman Center not just in managing her own health, but for the impact and peace of mind it brought to other family members. “Once I was tested, my mother and brother tested negative for Lynch syndrome, but my dad tested positive,” said Azriel. “Now, he’s following the same preventive measures as me to stay healthy.”
For more information on supporting the Mark R. Neaman Center for Personalized Medicine, contact Molly Neuleib at 224.364.7218.
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