Gene Test Finds Hidden Cancer Risk, Pain Doctors Push New Treatments

A free genetic study has identified a serious cancer risk in a Nebraska woman who had no prior family history of the disease.

The discovery illustrates how new research tools are changing patient care across the United States. It also highlights shifting medical advice for managing chronic pain.

Erin Thoman, a nurse practitioner in Nebraska, participated in the Genetic Insights Project at Nebraska Medicine. She had no known family history of cancer. Her sister had already taken part in the study and found she carried a BRCA2 gene mutation. Thoman and her mother then underwent testing through the same program. Both women also carried the mutation.

Thoman has since met with a breast surgeon at Nebraska Medicine. She expects to undergo a double mastectomy. The procedure is projected to lower her breast cancer risk from approximately 60% to less than 10%. Dr. Doug Stoller, a cardiologist involved in the initiative, stated the primary goal is early detection. Researchers aim to enroll up to 100,000 participants in Nebraska and 3 million across the nation.

Medical professionals are also reevaluating how chronic pain is treated. Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, advises patients to identify the root cause of their pain before selecting a treatment. Rogers noted that the underlying cause determines the best approach. She suggested that movement and stretching can be effective alternatives to strong medication.

Rogers said, "Your treatment is going to depend on why you have the pain." She emphasized that opioid-free options exist for many patients. Finding the right solution requires a detailed assessment of the pain source rather than relying on a single type of drug.

For patients managing ongoing prescription costs, experts recommend reviewing coverage annually. Amy O'Rourke, an aging expert, suggests that Medicare Part D beneficiaries check their premiums each year. Doctors and pharmacists can also offer free drug programs, samples, or discount cards to reduce monthly expenses.

The Genetic Insights Project and these pain management strategies are part of a wider push for personalized health care. Kenny Minor, who has worked at a Food Lion for 30 years, represents the community health workers who often see these patients first. Store manager Jack Glass noted that Minor helps shoppers with various needs, including carrying groceries to their cars. These local interactions often lead to broader health discussions and referrals to specialists.