Genetic testing helps you to do something about getting cancer

Jimmer gets hurt at Olympics; 3X3 team loses first three games

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It wasn't long after my wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, that her doctor suggested she get genetic testing done.

Advances in the technology have identified inherited mutations in genes that can be signposts for cancer in the future. Knowing you have the mutation allows you to be more aggressive in screenings as you age.

My wife had one of the mutations indicating a proclivity for ovarian and breast cancers.

She did the testing for her big sister and her son. She didn't want them to ever have to go through what she has since 2011.

More recently, my wife began bugging me to get genetic testing, too.

Both my father's and mother's sides of the family had incidence of cancer, but my father's parents both died of pancreatic cancer which was unusual.

Two years ago, I had my prostate removed after cancer was discovered. My wife worried that there might be a mutated gene in my family as well and she wanted my son to know that in advance.

Two weeks ago I had the testing done.

It's no big deal. Just a simple blood test and I had mine done at Glens Falls Hospital.

During my appointment, a detailed medical history of my family was taken and the genetic testing was explained. Then, you give them some blood.

My results came back this week.

It turned out a mutation of my ATM gene showed is a proclivity for prostate and pancreatic cancers.

Now that I know I have the mutation, I will have annual screenings for pancreatic cancer.

It was explained to me that having the gene doesn't mean I will get pancreatic cancer, it just means that I have a 5 to 10 percent more likely chance than someone who does not have the mutation.

After getting the news, I set out to share the information with my brother, my son and cousins.

I was told since I have the mutation, there was a 50 percent chance my brother has it as well.

If any of my male cousins have the mutation they will need to be screened for prostate and pancreatic cancers. For the female cousins with the mutation, they are more likely to get breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. They will also need more frequent screenings.

The cousins seemed appreciative of the information and none seemed overtly concerned. At least one already had testing done and was waiting on results.

My son, who is just 28, will also need to be tested. If he tests positive for the mutation, he will have to start getting screened for prostate cancer at age 40 instead of age 50. There is also a chance for more serious illnesses if he has children.

So this stands as a public service announcement no matter what your age.

If you have a significant history of cancer in your family, talk to your doctor about getting genetic testing.

It might just save your life or the lives of someone else in your family.

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Dial M in Glens Falls

The final play of the Adirondack Theater Festival season opened last night at the Wood Theater in downtown Glens Falls.

If you love old movies, you have probably seen the Hitchcock thriller "Dial M for Murder" starring Grace Kelley. But before it was a movie it was a play. This is the original play with a significant twist.

Last week, I got a chance to sit in on one of the rehearsals. What a treat it was to see the process professional actors go through to bring a story to life.

Another treat for us here in Glens Falls is that Nicholas Baroudi, a Queensbury High graduate and professional actor, is one of the main characters.

Dial M for Murder is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 7:30, Sunday at 2 p.m. and Tuesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

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Bad start for Jimmer

Jimmer Fredette's 3X3 U.S. basketball team lost for a third straight day on Thursday and is now 0-3 in the Olympic tournament.

The U.S. lost to world power Serbia on Tuesday, then were upset on Wednesday 18-17  by a lightly regarded Poland team. Near the end of that game, Fredette appeared to strain a groin and was taken out of the game.

The U.S. team for the third straight time on Thursday. Lithuania delivered a 20-18 victory in a game in which Fredette did not play.

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We did a dry run at the DeLong House in downtown Glens Falls recently. Please help us crate some magic at the Chapman Museum this December.

Merry Christmas

As we head into the August, the Chapman Museum's holiday decorating project is getting closer.

We're still looking for monetary donations for the Hometown Trolley Project as well as donations of ornaments and lights for decorating the DeLong House in December. The Chapman is partnering with the Upstate Model Railroaders club to produce a diorama of downtown Glens Falls circa 1900, complete with a working trolley line.

If you would like to donate money to the Hometown Trolley Project or the Chapman Museum decorating project, follow the link below to the Chapman Museum donation page, Make sure to stipulate what the donation is for.

If you have ornaments or lights you would like to donate, contact me at tingleykenneth4@gmail.com.

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Have voters changed?

North Country Public Radio is taking a deep dive into how the North Country has changed politically in recent years.

Just 10 years ago, a moderate Democrat represented the 21st Congressional District where Republican Elise Stefanik now holds the seat.

In the first installation of its series, NCPR crunched the numbers regarding voter registration and party affiliation to see what had changed.

The one thing is clear, the district now leans much farther right than before. The question is why.

Ken Tingley spent more than four decades working in small community newspapers in upstate New York. Since retirement in 2020 he has written three books and is currently adapting his second book "The Last American Newspaper" into a play. He currently lives in Queensbury, N.Y.