Genetic Counseling

Many individuals have a family history of cancer. In many cases, only one or two family members have cancer. Often these are distant relatives who have developed their cancer at an older age. This does not necessarily mean that an inherited abnormality exists, and may be associated only with a slight increase in the risk of cancer.

Some families have a more extensive family history of cancer, and/or early age of diagnosis and/or more than one primary cancer. This type of family history may have a hereditary basis. Only five to ten percent of all cancers have such a familial link.

The cancer risk assessment program is designed to help identify patients at increased risk for hereditary factors and to help patients understand their level of risk. Services include analysis and evaluation of family history, explanation of the genetics of hereditary cancer syndromes, risk assessment, and recommendations for screening, prevention, and detection.

Clinical genetic testing is available when appropriate. Genetic testing we currently offer includes the Breast Cancer (BRCA) gene and Colon Caner (HNPCC or APC) genes.