If it seems like cancer runs in some families, there’s some truth to that.
One out of every 25 to 50 people has hereditary cancer syndrome, where a gene mutation that increases cancer risk is inherited from a parent. Those people have a 50-50 chance of passing that mutation to their children, and their blood-related brothers and sisters also have a 50-50 chance of carrying the same mutation.
Are You at Risk?
Up to 10 percent of cancers are hereditary, most common of which include breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate and uterine cancers.
You can find out whether you’re at risk through Montage Health’s Genetic Risk Assessment program. That knowledge means you and your family can make informed decisions about screenings, prevention and if needed, treatment.
First Step: Free Online Questionnaire
First, an initial screening through a free, short, online questionnaire gathers information including family and medical history, demographics and lifestyle.
If your responses indicate that you’re at an increased risk for hereditary cancer syndrome, you’ll be contacted by Montage Health’s Genetic Risk Assessment program to set up an appointment with a genetics nurse practitioner for one-on-one genetic counseling.
Next Step: Genetic Testing
If appropriate, patients may undergo genetic testing by providing a saliva or blood sample. Results typically take two to four weeks.
The genetic test can provide three types of results:
- A negative result, meaning the patient didn’t inherit or develop a gene mutation that can lead to cancer
- A positive result, meaning the patient did inherit or develop a gene mutation that can lead to cancer
- A variant of uncertain significance, meaning there’s a genetic mutation, but it’s uncertain whether the mutation signifies an increased cancer risk. More than 90 percent of these turn out to be negative
Early Detection Saves Lives
When a gene mutation is identified before cancer develops, preventive measures can be taken including increased and enhanced screenings, medications, surgeries like a hysterectomy or mastectomy and lifestyle changes. Identifying genetic mutations in people with later-stage cancer can also be helpful because it can help their relatives avoid a similar outcome.
To take the questionnaire and learn more about Montage Health’s Genetic Risk Assessment program, visit montagehealth.org/genetics or call (831) 622-2764.
