The internet is abuzz with all kinds of information related to the case that we discussed yesterday here inovolving a Connecticut woman, Pamela Fink, who has filed a complaint with the EEOC and others alleging genetic discrimination under GINA (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act) . She states that her former employer, MXenergy, fired her because of a genetic test that revealed that she carried a mutation in the BRCA2 gene, which confers very high lifetime risks of breast and ovarian cancer.
Video is beginning to emerge (thanks to Nature News for pointing us in this direction) with more information about the case.
More on the Woman Who Filed an EEOC Complaint Claiming She Was Fired Over a Genetic Test Revealing a BRCA2 Mutation
Filed Under: BRCA1, BRCA2, Breast Cancer, Cancer Genetics, ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues), Family History, GINA, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Prophylactic Mastectomy Tagged: BRCA2, breast cancer risk, EEOC complaint, Family History, Fox61, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, GINA, HBOC, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, ovarian cancer risk, prophylactic mastectomy, video
Myriad Breast Cancer Gene Patents and the Courts: Upcoming Genetic Alliance Webinar
We’ve mentioned the court case involving the Myriad breast cancer gene patents several times here at Cancer and Your Genes. Recently, we’ve discussed the rather surprising summary judgment decision invalidating some of Myriad Genetics’ patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. This is just the opening salvo in a fight that may make it all the way to the Supreme Court.
Filed Under: BRCA1, BRCA2, Breast Cancer, Cancer Genetics, ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues), Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Tagged: Ann Waldo, BRCA1, BRCA2, breast cancer, Genetic Alliance, Hans Sauer, HBOC, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, John Conley, Joshua Sarnoff, ovarian cancer, University of North Carolina
Stephen Colbert on Gene Patenting and Implications of Myriad Case
The invalidation of Myriad Genetics’ patents related to testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is no laughing matter for those on either side of the issue. Nevertheless, Stephen Colbert’s take on this is worth a look!