What Are Hereditary Cancers?

Certain families have multiple members affected with cancer because they share a common genetic factor, or altered gene, that is inherited. People in these families may have a significantly increased risk to develop cancer. About 5 to 10 percent of all cancers are hereditary, and over 100 different genetic conditions are associated with an increased chance to develop cancer.

Individuals with any of the following may benefit from our program:

  • A cancer diagnosis at an early age, for example, colon cancer diagnosed under the age of 50.
  • Individuals with more than one cancer, such as bilateral breast cancer (affecting both breasts).
  • Family member(s) with cancer.
  • Multiple family members with the same type of cancer.
  • Relatives with a known genetic predisposition to cancer.

How This Program Helps

People with a family history of cancer often worry about themselves or their children’s risk for developing cancer. Our goal is to provide individual risk assessment that can be incorporated into their ongoing medical care. Our services includes:

  • Complete evaluation of your family history:
    Medical records are often requested in order to confirm diagnosis
  • Individualized genetic cancer risk assessment, for yourself and your family
  • Discussion of appropriate screening and management options.
  • Discussion of the benefits, limitations and implications of genetic testing
  • Storage of DNA can be arranged for anticipation of future testing.
  • Interpretation of genetic test results and the impact on medical management. Results of genetic testing are disclosed at a separate appointment.

Breast/Ovarian Cancer
-Diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50.
-Diagnosed with both breast and ovarian cancer at any age.
-Diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer.
-Diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
-Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and breast cancer diagnosis.
-Male diagnosed with breast cancer.
-Blood relative has confirmed mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2.
-Two or more 1 st - and/or 2 nd - degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer, one under age 50.*
-Two or more 1 st - or 2 nd - degree relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer. *

Colorectal Cancer
-Diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50.
-Diagnosed with polyps before age 45.
-Family history of more than one of the following primary cancers in a single individual or in multiple 1 st - and/or 2 nd -degree relatives:*
      Colorectoal
      Endometrial
      Ovarian
      Gastric
      Small Bowel
      Ureteric
      Brain
-Colonoscopic evidence of FAP or ten or more adenomatous polyps suggestive of attenuated FAP.**

*1 ST -degree relatives include sisters, brothers, parents, children.
*2 nd -degree relatives include aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews, grandchildren.
**FAP = Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
**HNPCC = Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer

People with a family history of cancer will meet with an Oncology Nurse Practitioner who is trained in genetic counseling to provide the following services:

  • complete evaluation of your family health history
  • individualized genetic cancer risk assessment
  • discussion of the benefits, limitations and implications of genetic testing
  • interpretation of test results
  • discussion of recommended screening, management and risk reduction options.

 

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