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Cancer
is a group of more than 100 diseases that can be caused by a variety
of things, including a family history of cancer. Other risk factors
include age and lifestyle. Even though scientists have uncovered
some cancer risk factors, no one can predict who will develop the
disease. However, thanks to recent advances in the fields of genetics
and oncology, if cancer "runs in your family," genetic
counselors at St. Vincent Hospital who have special training in
cancer genetics may be able to address your concerns and give you
some answers about your risk for cancer.
What
does genetic counseling for cancer involve?
Scientists have uncovered genes that play
a role in the development of some types of cancer. With that knowledge,
specialists in oncology and genetics can use the genetic information
to help people whose family members have had cancer.
If you are interested in genetic counseling for cancer, a genetic
counselor will ask you to complete a medical history and family
history questionnaire. The counselor will review the history before
meeting with you. During your meeting with the genetic counselor,
he or she will explain the basics of cancer genetics and use your
family and medical history to provide more information about potential
cancer risk. The counselor also will be able to talk about the status
of testing for genes associated with cancer and whether gene testing
is an option available to you and your family.
Who benefits from genetic counseling for cancer?
To find out if you could benefit from genetic
counseling for cancer, simply answer the following:
- Have
two or more of your first- or second-degree blood relatives been
diagnosed with cancer? Relatives included in this category are
your parents, siblings, half-siblings, children, aunts, uncles,
grandparents, nieces and nephews.
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Have you or a family member been diagnosed with cancer at a young
age?
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Have you or a family member had more than one type of cancer (multiple
primary tumors in the same individual)?
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Do any of your relatives have documented mutations (changes) in
cancer susceptibility genes?
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Do you have questions about the genetics of cancer or are you
concerned that there may be a hereditary cancer in your family?
If you answered "yes" to any one of these questions,
you may benefit from speaking to a genetic counselor.
Need
Help Contact our Cancer
Care Coordinator
For
more information about genetic counseling for cancer or to make
an appointment with a genetic counselor, please call
(920) 433-8559.
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