130: Robin Centner is a Colon Cancer Previvor | Genetic Testing | Previvor | Kidney Cancer | Genetic Counselor

In this episode of the Cancer Interviews podcast, we will hear from Robin Centner of  Ryland Heights, Kentucky.  She learned she has the PMS2 gene, which is one of the genes that causes Lynch Syndrome, a form of colon cancer.  She found this out through genetic testing.  She was inspired to get tested because her father died of colon cancer at age 52 and her mother passed away from kidney cancer at 49.  Robin is what is known as a previvor.  Because of genetic testing, she learned of the PMS2 gene and because of its presence, with additional and frequent testing, if she is diagnosed with colon cancer, it will be detected at the earliest possible stage, positioning her for a positive outcome. When Robin learned that one of her cousins has Stage IV colon cancer, at age 46, she went in for her first-ever colonoscopy.  It revealed one polyp, but it was non-cancerous and was removed.  Her gastroenterologist asked her to come in for another colonoscopy a year later.  This time she saw a different GI specialist who said that second colonoscopy indicated Lynch Syndrome and urged Robin to see a genetic counselor for testing.  This was in 2012, when genetic testing was in its infancy and cost more than $1500, a procedure many insurance companies would not cover.    Nonetheless, Robin Centner got the genetic testing, which later led to her immediate family getting it as well.  One of her boys, Connor, tested positive for Lynch Syndrome, but because of genetic testing, the Syndrome was detected early.    She says if one's family history includes colon cancer and/or kidney cancer, genetic testing is an excellent idea, as it positions family members for early detection if cancerous polyps are found.  Robin says among the symptoms of colorectal cancer are that of lingering abdominal pain, lingering diarrhea or constipation.   Robin Centner says very simply, "genetic testing saved my life," and that the same procedure that cost her more than $1500 in 2012, now runs about $300, and that is if it not covered by insurance.