Genetic Testing for Cancer
We offer genetic testing and expert guidance to help you understand your cancer risk.
Although most cancers are not inherited, some people may have a cancer risk that is passed down. If you want to know more about your personal or family risk, a genetics specialist can help.
Memorial Cancer Institute has a team specially trained in cancer genetics. Our genetic counselor and genetic nurse practitioner can evaluate your health history, test you for known hereditary cancer genes and calculate your risk level. We can also help you understand test results and guide you on the next steps to protect your and your family’s health.
Inherited Cancer Risk and Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
A hereditary cancer syndrome involves a gene error that runs in a family. The gene error increases family members’ risk for certain types of cancer. Examples include hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC, also known as BRCA1/2) and Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer).
People with a genetic predisposition for cancer have a higher chance of developing cancer in their lifetime, often at an earlier age. Certain family characteristics may indicate increased cancer risk:
- Ashkenazi Jewish descent and a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
- Cancer in relatives younger than 50 years of age
- One or more relatives who had two different types of cancer
- Relatives who had rare cancers (for example, medullary thyroid cancer, male breast cancer or sarcoma)
- Three family members who had the same kind of cancer
If you have these risk factors or if a genetic mutation has been identified in your family, talk to your primary care provider. They can refer you to a genetic specialist for counseling and testing.
Genetic Testing: What to Expect
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or want to understand your risk, your genetics specialist walks you through the process:
- Genetics education: We explain cancer genetics and the genetic testing process.
- Family history and personal medical history: We ask detailed questions about your family’s history of disease and your medical history.
- Consent: We get your written permission before we proceed with testing.
- Testing: We conduct genetic testing by taking a simple blood or saliva sample
- Results: Results are usually available in two to four weeks. We reach out, explain what they mean and encourage you to ask questions.
- Follow-up: We may refer you to a specialist for screening tests or proactive treatment. They can also recommend ways to reduce your cancer risk.
- Family communication: Your results may have implications for your family. If you choose to share your results, we can help prepare you for those conversations. We can also meet with your relatives for a genetic counseling consultation.
Genetic Testing and Counseling: Why Choose Memorial Cancer Institute?
When you come to Memorial for cancer genetic testing and counseling, you’ll find:
- Specially trained experts: Our highly skilled genetic counselors and genetic nurse practitioners have completed special training and have years of experience working in cancer genetics.
- Confidential care: Genetic testing and counseling are confidential. What we discuss and your test results are protected by federal law. Testing is your decision — we will never force you into it.
- Community partnership: The genetics team at Memorial works with patients and physicians throughout our community, not just those in our network.
- Simplified process: Genetics are complex, but we have worked to simplify the process. We will explain everything to you and can perform testing the day of your appointment.
- Network of oncologists: If we identify that you and your family have a genetic risk for one or more types of cancer, we have a plan. We can refer you to an expert who screens for cancer or may recommend proactive treatments.
