Approximately 5% to 10 % of all cancers are hereditary. The known inherited cancer syndromes can cause a greater increased risk for the development of cancer and disease recurrence. Genetic testing provides a better understanding if you or your loved one is at risk for developing a related hereditary cancer.
You should consider genetic testing for cancer if you or a family member has certain risk factors, such as a history of cancer at a young age or multiple types of cancer.
Risk factors
- A family member has a known inherited genetic change that increases cancer risk
- You or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer before age 50
- You or a family member has been diagnosed with multiple types of cancer
- You or a family member has been diagnosed with a rare cancer, like male breast cancer
- You or a family member has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
- You or a family member has had a cluster of cancer linked to a single gene mutation
- You are a member of a racial or ethnic group known for having certain inherited cancer syndromes
When to get tested
- If you have been diagnosed with certain cancers, like breast, ovarian, pancreatic,
or colorectal cancer - If you have a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer
- If you have a moderate family history of breast and ovarian cancer and are of Ashkenazi or Eastern
European Jewish ancestry
At Lancaster Cancer Center, we identify patients who have “red flags” in either their personal or family history, which indicates to us that genetic screening may be an appropriate step. After an informational meeting with a genetic screening nurse, a blood sample is drawn and sent to a specialized lab. Results are available within 2 to 3 weeks and those results will be discussed with you in detail with your physician.
You may also take the Hereditary Cancer Quiz located on Myriad Genetics website at www.hereditarycancerquiz.com.