Family History Evaluation & Genetic Risk Assessment

In general, about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers are hereditary. In families with hereditary cancer, a genetic mutation has been identified in family members that contributed to the development of certain cancers in the family.

The likelihood of a cancer being hereditary can vary by type of cancer. For example, about 15 to 20 percent of ovarian cancer is hereditary. Other cancer types, such as lung and skin cancers, have a lower likelihood of being hereditary and are more likely affected by environmental factors. So, this means even though some cancers are common in the family they may be a effect of shared environments among family members and not a genetic mutation.

Genetic conditions can be passed through a family in several ways. We have two copies of every gene because we inherit one copy from our mother and one copy from our father. In turn, one copy of each gene is passed on to a child. If one of the copies of the gene that is passed on to the child has a mutation, it increases the child’s risk for getting the inherited family condition. In some cases there may be mutations that have only superficial or no effects on the child but in other cases the mutations are more clearly understood and are of great risk. E.g. A well known mutation called BRCA1 and BRCA2 is known to significantly increase the risk of inherited cancers such as Breast or Ovarian cancer.

As a first step, you will be required to complete a thorough family history using our online questionnaire.

Next a genetic counselor will conduct a format assessment of your family history and assess your risk for any inherited diseases passed through your family genes. Your Family History and Genetic Risk evaluation report will also provide education about reducing your disease risk factors and information about hereditary syndromes and genetic testing. Genetic testing may be recommended for you based on the assessment by the Genetic counselor.