PHOENIX, Mar. 18, 2014 – Mike F. Janicek, MD, gynecologic oncologist at Arizona Oncology, a practice in The US Oncology Network, and medical director of Genetics at Scottsdale Healthcare Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been selected to present at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, taking place March 22-25, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. The annual conference is a premier scientific and educational event for medical professionals who treat and care for women with gynecologic cancer.
Dr. Janicek’s presentation titled “BRCA and Beyond: How Cancer Genetic Testing is Evolving in Your Practice” will highlight his successes as an early champion of genetic testing for gynecologic cancers. Specifically, his presentation will cover: Clinical experience with genetic testing for BRCA1/2 and Multi-gene Panels; Case Examples of Multi-gene Testing with Clinical Implications; and A Rationale for Utilizing Next Generation Sequencing Panels.
Co-presenting with Dr. Janicek is Elizabeth Chao, MD, medical director at Ambry Genetics. Based in Orange County, California, Ambry Genetics (www.ambrygen.com) is a leader in providing genetic services focused on clinical diagnostics and genomic services, particularly in sequencing and array services. Dr. Chao’s presentation will discuss: Ambry Genetics History, Technology, Test Design, and Data; an Introduction and overview of BRCA1/2 GYNplus (9 gene panel), and OvaNext (23 gene panel). Ambry Genetics has recognized Dr. Janicek as a pioneering physician because of his early adoption of multi-gene panels.
“I am honored by the opportunity to present at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology annual meeting,” said Dr. Janicek. “With more than 1,700 members representing the global gynecologic oncology team, the SGO conference is an ideal venue to share the latest findings in genetic testing and educate others about BRCA (pronounced BRAK-a, and commonly understood as an abbreviation of BReast CAncer) genetic testing.”
“The BRCA is actually a misnomer,” says Janicek. “It should be called BR-OV, for breast-ovarian. If you test positive for the BRCA gene there is a 40 to 50 percent chance of getting ovarian cancer, which we call the silent killer. It's actually the more dangerous and more deadly of the two cancers. Historically there has been no screening for it, but now the game has changed with genetic testing."
Genetic testing is cutting-edge science today, but in the near future could become common practice with a more competitive insurance market. “The technology is expensive, but most insurance companies now pay for it,” says Janicek. “Most insurance companies want patients who meet the criteria to undergo genetic testing. It's less expensive than paying for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. They actually want you to not get cancer and would rather pay the cost of genetic testing.”
To learn more about Dr. Janicek’s pioneering efforts in the area of genetic testing for gynecologic cancers, visit www.ArizonaOncology.com.
About Arizona Oncology
Arizona Oncology is one of the largest medical groups in Arizona, with more than 50 practicing physicians devoted exclusively to the most comprehensive, compassionate and quality cancer care to patients in several communities throughout the state, including: Chandler, Cottonwood, Deer Valley, Flagstaff, Glendale, Green Valley, Nogales, Oro Valley, Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Safford, Scottsdale, Sedona, and Tucson. Arizona Oncology believes it is beneficial to provide cancer therapies in a community setting, close to patients' homes and support systems. The physicians are supported by a talented clinical team sensitive to the needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. For more information, visit ArizonaOncology.com.
Arizona Oncology is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, Arizona Oncology is united with nearly 1,000 physicians nationwide. Arizona Oncology participates in clinical trials through US Oncology Research, which has played a role in 48 FDA-approved cancer therapies, nearly one-third of all cancer therapies approved by the FDA to date. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.