On Sunday, October 27, 2024, Dr. Eric Winer interviewed Veda Giri, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), Division Chief, Clinical Cancer Genetics, and Director of the Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program and the Early Onset Cancer Program, on Yale Cancer Answers. Dr. Giri is a medical oncologist with specialization in clinical cancer genetics.
On this episode of Yale Cancer Answers, Dr. Giri discusses her population science studies focused on genetic evaluation of cancer risk, disparities in access to genetic testing and genetic counseling, and implementation research. She also explains potential reasons for the recent rise in early onset cancers. Patients with early onset cancers (ages 18-49) face unique challenges. Their cancers tend to be more aggressive and may be less responsive to treatment. They must manage a shocking diagnosis and intensive treatment, while at the same time, may have the demands of parenthood and a career; many are also caregivers to aging parents and struggle with finances.
"This population deserves dedicated efforts from multiple perspectives,” Dr. Giri said, "including clinical research, psychosocial services, and the best possible oncology care. Knowing family history is also really important as cancer screenings may need to be initiated at an earlier age based on family history. It can also provide information to guide genetic testing, which can provide estimates of cancer risk and guide cancer screening.”