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Genetic Testing

Our Genetic Risk Evaluation and Testing Program can help your patients identify if they have an increased risk for certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, endometrial, and melanoma. While a person cannot inherit cancer, they can inherit a higher risk for developing it.

Many of our cancer centers provide an in-depth assessment for people with a strong personal or family history of cancer. While only five to 10 percent of cancers are from inherited gene mutations, genetic testing provides early detection and the opportunity to not only reduce the risk of cancer, but to save lives.

Our oncologists and genetic counselors have advanced training in genetic risk evaluation and testing. They can determine if your patient is a candidate and provide individualized analysis to identify their risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. Once testing is completed, our specialists provide a comprehensive evaluation, recommendations, and provide assistance with follow-up care.

The risk of cancer being inherited is more likely if:

  • Multiple family members have the same type of cancer
  • Cancer is diagnosed at age 50 or younger
  • Cancer develops in paired organs (both breasts, both ovaries, both kidneys)
  • Multiple types of cancer occur in one individual

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA 1/2)

Risk factors include:

  • Breast cancer before the age of 50
  • Ovarian cancer at any age
  • Bilateral breast cancer
  • Male breast cancer at any age
  • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with breast or ovarian cancer at any age
  • Mutation positive relative
  • Individuals with both breast and ovarian cancer

Colon and Endometrial Cancer Syndrome (HNPCC) – also known as Lynch Syndrome

Risk factors include:

  • Colon cancer before the age of 50
  • Endometrial cancer before the age of 50
  • Other HNPCC-associated cancers in the family (ovarian, stomach, kidney/urinary tract, biliary, central nervous system, and small intestine)
  • Multiple cancers in the same individual

Hereditary Melanoma Syndrome (melanoma and pancreatic cancer)

Risk factors include:

  • Multiple family members with melanoma
  • Individuals with multiple melanomas
  • Melanoma and pancreatic cancer in a family