Basser Young Leadership Council Co-Chair Erika Stallings contributed this opinion piece to Huffington Post on the future of BRCA testing and on-going challenges, such as difficulties regarding access to genetic counseling and testing.

Genetic counseling for cancer patients has become standard of care at academic medical centers. Video and phone sessions can bring genetic counseling to patients who would not otherwise have the chance to receive it, according to a new study from the Basser Center.

Penn Medicine researchers, including Basser's Roger Greenberg, PhD, MD, have used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to isolate a key genetic feature that could cause resistance to PARP inhibitors in patients with ovarian cancer.

In an op-ed about direct-to-consumer BRCA testing, Susan Domchek, MD, says that while genetic testing can be lifesaving, it must come with all the facts. 

The FDA approved at-home genetic testing for BRCA mutations, while highlighting concerns. Susan Domchek, MD, cautioned that people may experience anxiety when undergoing genetic testing, and recommends that they discuss any concerns with their doctor.

The BRCA Founder Outreach (BFOR) study, focusing on individuals of Ashkenazi descent, will give participants the opportunity to receive simpler access to genetic testing.

Healthline reports on recent research showing that many women who experience a bloating feeling on a regular basis are more likely to change their diets than visit their doctors, and in some cases, that could put women at risk of overlooking ovarian cancer symptoms. 

Basser Young Leadership Council co-chair Erika Stalings reveals her experiences with dating after undergoing a preventive double mastectomy, and her struggles to decide if and when to tell dates about the surgery and her BRCA mutation status.

The FDA approved the first oral treatment for breast cancer patients who have inherited mutations in their BRCA genes. Susan Domchek, MD, who was involved in the clinical trial, discusses how this is a major step forward.

Penn Medicine Magazine's latest issue includes the story of how the Basser Center was founded in memory of Faith Basser, and how BRCA mutations can impact families around the world.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved olaparib as the first treatment for advanced breast cancer caused by mutations in BRCA genes, in an important step in the fight against inherited cancers.