Hereditary cancer is the development of cancer due to an inherited gene mutation that has been passed from a parent to a child upon conception. People who have inherited such a gene mutation have also inherited an increased risk to develop cancer in their lifetime that is higher than the cancer risk of someone in the general population.
Over the past decade, scientists have discovered specific genes that can contribute to the development of hereditary breast, ovarian, colorectal, and other less common cancers. Genetic testing is now available for some of these types of hereditary cancers. People who are interested in learning whether or not they have an increased likelihood of developing certain cancers or whether they inherited a gene that contributed to their own or a family member's cancer should consult with a specialist who has experience in the area of hereditary cancer, cancer risk assessment, and genetic counseling and testing.
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling involves a discussion of your personal and/or family history of cancer. Genetic counselors will simplify complex scientific concepts into terms you can understand. The goal of cancer genetic counseling is to provide clear and clinically relevant information about genetic risk factors in an atmosphere that is supportive and educational.
Genetic counseling is typically recommended for individuals or families with multiple cases of cancer diagnosed at unusually young ages.
