Should you take a genetic test for breast cancer?

RJ Hamster

2 years ago

Monday, May 1, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we consider a new breast cancer test, experiment with genetically engineered chestnut trees, explore history’s gory mummy-eating fad … and discover 2,500 year-old canals.

PHOTOGRAPH BY AKOS STILLER, THE NEW YORK TIMES/REDUX

If a test could tell you if you have a genetic propensity for breast cancer, would you take it? Should you?

These aren’t easy questions. Genetic mutations are behind only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers—and tests may not pick up if breast cancer simply runs in the family. That said, if a person has breast cancer, a genetic test could help inform treatment. For those concerned about getting breast cancer, a positive result might give you a head start on preventative measures, as simple as exercise or invasive as mastectomies.

Here’s what you should know. (Pictured above, possible anomalies in a breast cancer screen).

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Tune in: A Small Light premieres on National Geographic today and begins streaming on Disney+ tomorrow. See the trailer.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID GUTTENFELDER

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PHOTOGRAPH BY AMY TOENSING

We may have to ‘play God’: A deadly fungus—accidentally imported in the late 19th century—killed 4 billion chestnut trees across the U.S., about one-fourth of the hardwood trees growing in Appalachia. Now, scientists are experimenting with genetically engineered blight-resistant trees to help make a comeback. (Above, a lab worker separates a chestnut from its burrs.)

CHESTNUTS FOREVER?

Today’s soundtrack: Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, KT Turnstall

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! It was curated and edited by Mallory Benedict, Jen Tse, Hannah Farrow, and David Beard. Want to let us know your thoughts? Send away: david.beard@natgeo.com. Happy trails!

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