If cancer runs in your family, when do you need genetic services?
Many factors can be present in a family that may call for genetic services. Below is a general checklist of factors for you to fill out. These may suggest you have a higher risk for familial cancer or a heritable cancer syndrome. Ask your healthcare provider about your risk and if you'd benefit from genetic services.
Family history checklist
___ A family history of multiple cases of the same or related types of cancer
___ One or more family members with rare cancers
___ Several first-degree family members (father, mother, sibling, child) with cancer
___ Several people in your family have a type of cancer known to be linked to a certain gene mutation. For example, breast, pancreatic, or ovarian cancer may be linked to BRCA gene mutations.
___ Cancers occurring at an earlier age than normal in at least one family member, such as colorectal cancer before age 50 or breast cancer before age 40
___ Bilateral cancers, which is when two cancers develop independently in a paired organ, such as both kidneys or both breasts
___ One or more family members with two primary cancers (two original tumors that develop in different sites)
___ Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish background (linked to a higher risk of BRCA gene mutations)
Where to find genetic services
Genetic services are often available in large hospitals or health centers. Ask your healthcare provider to refer you to someone. Or check the Find a Genetic Counselor online directory to find someone in your area.
Genetic counselors are professionals with advanced, specialized training in counseling and medical genetics. They help people who are looking for information about inherited diseases and conditions. Genetic counselors help people interpret genetic results and their possible impact in a reliable, sensitive, and supportive way. They are not medical doctors, but they are part of the medical team.
Talk with your healthcare provider for more information.