Beyond Breast Cancer
May 22 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Beyond Breast Cancer: BRCA Gene Mutations and the Risk of Gastrointestinal, Pancreatic, and Skin Cancers
Thursday, May 22
5:30 Light Refreshments
6-7:30pm Program Q&A
The J – Mirowitz Performing Arts & Banquet Center
Certified genetic counselor(s) will discuss hereditary cancer and the crucial role of genetic counseling in understanding risks. Specialists in gastroenterology and dermatology will discuss how BRCA genes and other related genes may influence the risk for cancers beyond breast and gynecologic cancers, such as pancreatic cancer and melanoma. They will discuss methods of quantifying risk for these cancers, as well as effective screening programs to reduce the risk of developing these cancers.
Erin Beaver, MS, CGC
A licensed, certified Genetics Counselor currently working as a full-time clinical genetic counselor in oncology at the Missouri Baptist Breast Healthcare Center. She is also an adjunct faculty at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS) genetic counseling program advising students in their thesis research.
Susan Jones, MS, CGC
A licensed, certified Genetic Counselor at Missouri Baptist, she trained at the University of Cincinnati and initially worked in pediatric and prenatal genetics before focusing on cancer genetics. Passionate about its actionable impact, she worked at Siteman Cancer Center in the Gyn-Onc Genetics Clinic, specializing in ovarian and uterine cancers. She now sees patients with various hereditary cancer concerns.
Dr. Koushik Das, MD, FASGE, AGAF
An Associate Professor of Medicine at Washington University in St Louis where he serves as director of endoscopic research and associate program director of the gastroenterology fellowship program. He completed his undergraduate and medical education at Columbia University, internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, and gastroenterology and therapeutic endoscopy fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania. His work is primarily focused in basic, translational, and clinical research in pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cystic disease. His primary clinical focus has been in high risk gastrointestinal cancer genetics, building a multidisciplinary program with partners in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation, oncology, colorectal surgery, and medical genetics to help patients who are at risk for pancreatic, stomach, and colon cancers.
Dr. David Chen, MD, PhD
An Assistant Professor of Medicine and Associate Chief for Research in the Division of Dermatology at Washington University School of Medicine, where he provides care for patients with advanced melanoma and other skin malignancies. He graduated from the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University School of Medicine, where he also completed his postgraduate training in dermatology through the Oliver Langenberg Physician Scientist Training Program. Dr. Chen’s research focuses on defining the role of epigenetic changes in the skin that predispose individuals to cancer development. Dr. Chen serves on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network melanoma guidelines committee.
