Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment

Cancer Risk Assessment Screening & Prevention Program
At Maryland Oncology Hematology, we provide comprehensive medical care and support services for people diagnosed with cancer or those at a higher risk of developing cancer. If you are considering genetic testing, it is important to talk with a healthcare team that has received special training for common hereditary cancers and who can help you understand your options. 

Through hereditary risk assessment, we can help you learn about your inherited risk of developing cancer, such as breast, gastrointestinal, uterine/ovarian and others, and help you and your family understand the results if you decide to undergo genetic testing.

Furthermore, we will provide you the information you need to make decisions about prevention or treatment options. As part of our integrated team, our Oncologists, Advanced Practice Providers and Genetic Counselors will provide information and support for you and your family by:

• Educating you about how genetics plays a part in cancer risk; Assessing your risk of a genetic disorder by researching your family’s cancer history.

• Discussing the medical, social and ethical impact of genetic testing on you and your family; Interpreting genetic testing results and medical data; and Explaining possible treatments and/or preventive measures.

What is Cancer Risk Assessment or Evaluation and How Does it Work?
Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment is the process of learning how genetics play a role in cancer risk and how likely your family is to have inherited predispositions to certain cancers. Prior to a risk assessment or evaluation appointment, you will receive paperwork to complete regarding your health and family history. It is important to provide any medical records including pathology or copies of genetic test results for you and/or other family members. 

At the appointment, you will learn about the role of genetics in cancer risk as well as what type of testing (if any) is recommended for you. You will also learn the risks, benefits and limitations of this testing. We will discuss the medical, social, emotional and ethical impact of genetic testing on you and your family. Once testing is complete, we review results with you in person and can personalize your screening/treatment plan. We also discuss the impact on family members and identify appropriate resources.

What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is the process of using medical tests to look for specific changes (mutations) in a person’s genes when they have features of a hereditary condition. This is usually done by a blood or saliva sample. Most genetic testing is ordered through special health care providers and sent to specific genetic labs.

Why are Hereditary Risk Assessment and Genetic Testing Important?
By determining whether an individual is at an elevated risk for cancer based on a gene mutation or strong family history, we can offer special options for medical management, lifestyle choices, and family planning. 

This includes:

• Screening for cancers (at a younger age, more frequent intervals and/or using different technology)

• Prevention or risk reduction of cancers (through surgery or medications)

• Potential specialized cancer treatment

• Potential modification of cancer risk through diet and exercise

• Information regarding risks to children and other family members

Who Should Participate in Hereditary Risk Assessment or Genetic Testing?

Approximately 5-10% of cancers are inherited. Changes in a particular gene can be passed down from a parent and are associated with a higher lifetime risk of cancer. 

Features suggestive of hereditary cancer include:

• Any individual diagnosed with cancer prior to age 50

• Any individual who has developed more than one cancer

• Any individual with a rare type of cancer (ovarian, male breast cancer, pancreatic)

• An individual with two or more family members diagnosed with the same cancer

• A family member with an identifiable gene mutation known to increase the risk of cancer

• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a personal or family history of cancer

• Families with constellation of breast, ovarian, colon and uterine cancers