By Kathy Engle, Vitals contributor
Marina Montes had not considered genetic testing until she received an email from Sutter Health describing a free program in Santa Rosa—the Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing (GREAT) program. Started in 2022, the complementary testing is designed to identify predisposed cancer risks and catch the disease early for individuals ages 25-45 who have no personal history of cancer.
“I was intrigued and decided to apply,” Marina says. “Turns out, I have a mutation on the ATM gene, increasing my risk for breast and other cancers, so I’ll start regular screenings 10 years before official guidelines would have recommended them.”
Marina Montes
At 30, Marina considers the finding “perfect timing” because she is also thinking about family planning—which will now include genetic testing for her partner because it would affect potential pregnancies and the chance of their children having the mutation as well.
“My genetic screening results have changed my perspective for managing my own health, so that my lifestyle does not further increase my chances of developing cancer,” Marina adds.
As part of the GREAT program, when a positive genetic marker is found, other family members are given the opportunity to test as well. Marina has shared her results with her cousins, on her mother’s side, hoping they will find the testing equally important.
“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at 60, but she opted out of genetic testing and because of her age at the time, I wasn’t statistically at a higher risk for the disease,” she says. “Now it is possible that family members on my mom’s side are at risk and I’m grateful that this donor sponsored program gives them the opportunity to test.”
Sharon Chan is the manager of Sutter’s Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing (GREAT) program
Marina recently shared her story at a fundraising event for the GREAT program, which raised $40,000 more this year to expand testing for Sonoma County residents. So far, the program has sent 354 test kits to participants with 233 completing testing. 12 participants have had gene mutations detected, who met with Sutter genetic counselors to discuss recommended surveillance or management.
“Genetic testing is like playing offense with health instead of defense and personalizes cancer screening for anyone who may have increased risks,” says Sharon Chan, LCGC, MPH, GREAT program manager.
As word spreads about this program, the community member behind the program, Tara Jasper, hopes to expand the services beyond Sonoma County in the future. If you are interested in supporting the GREAT program, contact Lisa Amador at lisa.amador@sutterhealth.org.
Breast Cancer Care at Sutter Health
Sutter Health takes a comprehensive approach to breast cancer care by offering personalized treatment plans that integrate cutting-edge medical treatments with compassionate support services. The integrated health system’s breast cancer programs across Central and Northern California include advanced diagnostic tools, expert surgical care and access to a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, radiologists and nurses. In addition, Sutter emphasizes patient-centered care through services like nurse navigation, nutrition counseling and emotional support to guide patients through each stage of their breast cancer journey.
