Genetic testing for certain types of cancer is the topic of a forum taking place Thursday evening and featuring a panel of medical experts.

"The Cancer Forum: Genetic Awareness – Saving Lives One Family at a Time," is open to the public free of charge and also offers continuing education units to health care professionals, according to a news release.

Forum attendees will learn more about the critical nature of family histories, identifying important markers for candidates of genetic testing, taking preventive measures to reduce the probability of a cancer diagnosis and how and when to become a good advocate for genetic testing, the release stated.

Panelists include Gregory Bebb, Wilmington Surgical Associates; Patrick Maguire, Coastal Carolina Radiation Oncology Center; Kenneth Fink, Donayre Cancer Care Center, Columbus Regional Healthcare System; and family nurse practitioner Sarah Brown, Novant Health in Brunswick County.

“People that have inherited a gene mutation in their repair system have a propensity to develop cancer, and there’s a whole family of these gene repair systems,” Bebb said in the release. “The famous one is actress Angelina Jolie. She inherited the BRCA mutation that puts you at risk for breast and ovarian cancer. There are others that put you at risk for melanoma, colon cancer, uterine cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, thyroid cancer, and pancreatic cancers.

“I think genetic testing is on the upstroke,” Bebb continued. “Genetic testing may end up saving the health care system, not just predicting who will get cancer, but who responds to what kind of therapy and saving costs in the healthcare system.”

The forum, which takes place 7-9 p.m. in Daniels Hall at Cape Fear Community College's Union Station, is presented by nonprofit organization Hope Abounds in collaboration with the South East Area Health Education Center.

The public can also view the forum via simulcast at Columbus Regional Healthcare in Whiteville and Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Boliva. Click here for more information and registration.