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Should You Consider Genetic Testing?
 Approximately 10 percent of all cancer is hereditary.
People with a hereditary predisposition are at an increased risk of developing
various types of the disease. In addition, they are at risk of developing
cancer at an earlier age. It is important to identify families with hereditary
cancer risk so that appropriate prevention and/or early detection strategies
can begin.
Although many personal factors must be considered before
choosing genetic testing, the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends
genetic testing for the following people:
- Individuals with a personal or family history suggestive
of hereditary cancer.
- Individuals diagnosed with cancer under age 50.
- Individuals who have had more than one type of cancer
or bilateral cancers.
- Individuals with rare cancers.
- Individuals from families with a known hereditary
cancer syndrome.
For individuals and families meeting these criteria, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends evaluation by a cancer genetics specialist. The Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute (ACI) at Memorial University Medical Center has the region’s only board-certified genetic counselor who specializes in cancer genetics. C. Shai Huffard-King, certified genetic counselor, helps people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of carrying an inherited disease.
Our genetic counseling process helps individuals and families by providing the following:
- Interpretation of family medical history and assessment of the risk for disease occurrence, recurrence, or hereditary cancer syndrome.
- Education about disease inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources, and research.
- Counseling to promote informed choices, cope with the results, and adapt to the risk or condition.
Make an appointment to learn more.
Get information about the FORCE support group for families affected by hereditary cancer.
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