ONC071818NI6

UNDERSTANDINGGENETIC COUNSELINGAND TESTING

The most common hereditary cancers are breast, ovarian and colorectal. Cancer is not inherited, only the gene mutation that increases the risk factor of developing cancer is inherited.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES

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RED FLAGS FOR HEREDITARY BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER (HBOC)

• Breast cancer diagnosed before 50

• Ovarian cancer at any age

• Male breast cancer

• Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent

• Two or more breast cancers in an individual or family

• A previously identified BRCA 1/2 mutation in the family

RED FLAGS FOR LYNCH SYNDROME (HEREDITARYNON-POLYPOSIS COLORECTAL CANCER (HNPCC))

• Colorectal cancer diagnosed before 50

• Endometrial cancer diagnosed before 50

• Two or more Lynch Syndrome cancers in an individual or family at any age, including colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, gastric, upper urinary tract, biliary tract, small bowel, pancreatic, brain and sebaceous adenomas.

Franciscan Health Burrell Cancer Center Crown Point1201 S. Main StreetCrown Point, IN 46307 (219) 738-2100

Franciscan Health Cancer Center Indianapolis8111 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46237(317) 528-1420

Franciscan Health Cancer Center Lafayette1701 S. Creasy LaneLafayette, IN 47905(765) 502-4015

Franciscan Health Marie Canine Cancer Center Crawfordsville1706 Lafayette Rd.Crawfordsville, IN 47933(765) 361-3000

Franciscan Health Cancer Center Mooresville1201 Hadley Rd. Mooresville, IN 46158(317) 834-4000

Franciscan Health Cancer Center Munster701 Superior AvenueMunster, IN 46321(219) 922-4200

Franciscan Health Patricia A. Joyce Comprehensive Cancer Institute Olympia Fields3900 W. 203rd St.Olympia Fields, IL 60461(708) 679-2080

Franciscan Health Cancer Center Rensselaer1104 East Grace St.Rensselaer, IN 47978(219) 866-5154

Franciscan Health Woodland Cancer Care Center Michigan City 8955 West 400 North Michigan City, IN 46360 (219) 861-5800

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AM I AT RISK?Everyone has some chance of developing cancer.In most cases, the cause of cancer is unknown and happens by chance. However, 5 to 10 percent of all cancer is hereditary and caused by a genetic change increasing the risk of developing cancer. These genetic changes can be passed from generation to generation within a family.

RISK FACTORSIf you or a close relative have had any of the following, you may want to consider genetic counseling and testing.

Cancer at a young age (under age 50)

Rare cancers, such as male breast cancer

Concern about your family history of cancer

One or more relatives with a known hereditary cancer gene mutation

Two or more close relatives on the same side of the family with cancer, especially of the same type

More than one diagnosis of cancer in the same individual, such as breast and ovarian or colon and uterine cancer

GENETIC COUNSELING STEPS Genetic counseling includes several steps and may require more than one appointment. A meeting with a genetic counselor typically includes:

• A detailed review of your medical and family history

• Discussion about the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic testing. If genetic testing is done, the counselor will help you understand what the results mean for you and your family.

• Assessment of you and your family’s risk of developing cancer

• Explanation of your genetic test results and options for cancer screening and prevention, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, or in some cases, preventive surgeries.

• If you have already been diagnosed with cancer, discussion about treatment options based on your genetic test results

• Discussion of information about ongoing research and clinical trials for those interested

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WHAT IS GENETIC COUNSELING AND TESTING?Cancer genetic counseling is the process of collecting your detailed personal and family history, assessing your personal risk and discussing your genetic testing options. These services should be provided by a counselor who is board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Genetic tests of blood and other tissue are used to identify genetic disorders and can help determine a more precise estimate of your cancer risk. Although a cancer risk assessment can be provided without genetic testing, in some cases testing may help you and your physician make important decisions about your medical care.

SHOULD I CONSIDER COUNSELING AND TESTING?Genetic counseling is typically recommended for people who have a personal and/or family history suggestive of a hereditary cancer condition. Having a family member with cancer does not automatically mean you are in a high-risk category.