Genetic Counseling for Cancer Risk Assessment

It is important to understand that most cancers are not related to a family history of cancer. It is estimated that 5 – 10% of cancers are related to genetics in some way. Many other cancers are related to lifestyle choices such as eating an unhealthy diet, sun exposure, lack of exercise and smoking.

Red flags in a personal or family history which may suggest a hereditary cause of cancer include:

1. Several family members with the same or related forms of cancer, often in multiple generations
2. Cancer occurring at a young age of onset (before age 50)
3. Individuals with bilateral (such as cancer in both breasts) or multiple, brand-new cancers
4. Rare cancers or cancer in the less commonly affected gender (such as male breast cancer)
5. A lack of environmental risk factors

The decision to have genetic testing is a personal choice. If you decide to move forward with genetic testing, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your results.  The testing process can take anywhere from three weeks to several months, depending on the test that is ordered. In addition to reviewing your test results, you will be given cancer screening and/or prevention recommendations that are tailored to your specific situation. You will also be connected to additional educational resources and other services at Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute. 

Most genetic testing is done on a blood or saliva sample. Follow up tests may be recommended based on your results. Genetic counselors don’t perform the testing, but they recommend and order the appropriate testing and help interpret the results.

Depending on your results, your genetic counselor may discuss some lifestyle options and/or refer you to the Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute High Risk Clinic to help develop a plan for your cancer screenings and care.

The best person to be tested is the person in your family who has cancer. If a mutation is identified that may have caused their cancer to occur, then first-degree relatives (parents, sibling and children of the individual with the mutation) may want to consider being tested to see if they also carry the same mutation.

Discovering that you have a genetic mutation does not mean you will develop cancer. Knowing that you have a mutation means you can work with the High Risk and Risk Reduction team to monitor and address your known cancer risks. This can help prevent cancer or detect it early, when it is most treatable.

If tests do not show a mutation for cancer, it may still be recommended that you be followed by the High Risk & Cancer Risk Reduction Program for surveillance. Not having a genetic mutation does not mean you won’t get cancer. With current technology and testing, hereditary genetic variants are currently thought to contribute to 5 – 10% of cancers. Other variables such as lifestyle and prior history of cancer may also call for increased observation.

If your genetic testing was done prior to 2013, it is likely that updated testing involving the analysis of more genes is now available. Talk to your genetic counselor about any additional options available to you.