Genetic Testing Helped Priscilla Brittine Defy Her DNA

When Priscilla Brittine’s mother went to the emergency room in 2001 for stomach pains, she was told it was acid reflux and sent home. Seven months later, she died from stomach cancer.

In the years that followed, Priscilla watched as stomach cancer affected the lives of several others in her family. She lost her uncle to stomach cancer and several cousins were diagnosed.

Priscilla knew something wasn’t right. That’s when the 37-year-old mother of 3 decided to take matters into her own hands.

Uncovering hereditary health problems with genetic testing

Priscilla and her family went to The University of Kansas Cancer Center for genetic counseling and testing. There, doctors discovered that the family shared a genetic mutation, or change in their DNA, that made them more likely to develop stomach cancer.

“A genetic mutation is something that’s passed down through your family, and it changes how your cells function,” says Kelsey Larson, MD, breast surgical oncologist at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

“Different genes put people at an increased risk for different types of cancer.”

Priscilla found out that she had a genetic mutation called CDH1. Through genetic counseling, she learned that her risk of getting stomach cancer was over 80%. She was also at high-risk for developing breast cancer due to the CDH1 mutation.

“I felt like a ticking time bomb,” Priscilla says.

Even without an official cancer diagnosis, Priscilla knew she had to take action to regain control of her future. She talked through her options with a genetic counselor at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

“She was so knowledgeable,” Priscilla says. “She went over everything. I probably spent an hour or more with her. She touched on everything in my family tree and what it meant for my future.”

During the consultation, Priscilla learned there were treatments available that could save her life. One option was to completely remove her stomach (gastrectomy) and breasts (mastectomy). Both procedures significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer, although neither is a guarantee.

“I didn’t understand how you could live without a stomach,” Priscilla says. “I didn’t even know that was possible.”

It seemed like a drastic step – especially because Priscilla wasn’t diagnosed with cancer yet. But without the surgeries, Priscilla would be high-risk for developing breast or stomach cancer. She would also need to go through testing every 6 months to check for signs of cancer.

“I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life,” Priscilla says.

Priscilla took time to think through her decision. Being a mom, she decided that the risks of cancer outweighed the risks of surgery. Priscilla told her care team that she wanted to move forward with the procedures.

“I wanted to be around for my 3 boys for as long as I can,” Priscilla says.

Priscilla’s first surgery was a total gastrectomy. During the procedure, surgeons removed her entire stomach and then reconnected Priscilla’s digestive system, including the esophagus and small intestine, so that food can continue to pass through.

Although the surgery was a success, recovery was difficult. Recovery from gastrectomy usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, but the first 3 to 6 months can be hard emotionally, and it can take up to a year to fully recover.

Priscilla made it through without any major complications. She had to adjust to life after surgery and worked with her care team to adapt to living without a stomach.

“The biggest change is eating and trying to keep weight on,” Priscilla says. “I eat every 2 to 3 hours. But as long as I keep on that, I’m good.”

From gastrectomy to mastectomy

After recovering from stomach surgery, Priscilla had a bilateral mastectomy to remove both breasts. She describes her recovery as “a little rough,” but easier than the gastrectomy. A few weeks after her mastectomy, she began the process to rebuild her breasts through breast reconstruction surgery.

“We do mastectomies that include reconstruction and do not include reconstruction,” says Dr. Larson. “The relative cancer risk reduction is exactly the same. So, it’s really about what someone wants.”

“Being a woman, I just wanted something versus nothing,” Priscilla says. “So that’s what I opted for.”

Advocating for cancer awareness

Today, Priscilla is still cancer-free and she’s helping educate others about the importance of knowing their risk of cancer. She recently visited Washington D.C. as part of Debbie’s Dream Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer. There, she shared her story with U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids in hopes of gaining more funding for stomach cancer research. Priscilla also received a proclamation to officially declare November as stomach cancer awareness month in Kansas and Missouri.

“These are lives we’re talking about,” Priscilla says. “If I can prevent another family from having to go through [cancer] or losing their loved ones, it means everything.”

Priscilla is also participating as a model in Bra Couture® KC – a fashion show and auction that raises money for uninsured cancer patients. Proceeds from the event support cancer patients at The University of Kansas Cancer Center and throughout the Kansas City area who need help paying for cancer supplies like medicine, prosthetics, wigs and other necessary items. It’s just one more way she’s helping give back and spread cancer awareness.

“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for genetic counseling and testing,” Priscilla says. “The University of Kansas Cancer Center saved my life.”