Innovations in scientific genetic research have allowed us a clearer view of what the future may hold for each individual. As many of us learned in high school biology, genetics plays an integral role not only in our eye and hair color, but also in our health. Understanding more about your personal and familial cancer risk can help you make more informed health care decisions. Having the knowledge of genetic links to specific cancers allows you to make lifestyle choices that may reduce your risk for developing disease. Your physician can request diagnostic screening tests for early detection to further reduce your risk, pinpointing ways to help lower your chances of developing cancer.

Research has shown most cancers are sporadic, meaning that cancer strikes any given person at any given time and is not linked to heredity. However, research has also shown that 5% to 10% of all cancers are hereditary. Having a DNA mutation for a genetically linked cancer does not mean that you will develop cancer, this only means that you have a higher risk for developing cancer and that the gene may be passed down to your children.

Cancer Risk Assessment Quick Checklist

We now know the genetic basis for many forms of cancer, and genetic testing for various inherited forms of cancer is available. Anyone with a personal or family cancer history can benefit from cancer genetic risk assessment. Genetic screening is especially beneficial for those with:

Any cancer, personal or family member, diagnosed <50 of age

Cancer in more than one generation in your family

Two or more different types of cancer in same individual (e.g. breast and ovary)

Any male relative with breast cancer

Any relative with a rare cancer (e.g. pancreas, kidney)

Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program

At California Pacific we offer cancer genetic risk assessment providing counseling and genetic testing for individuals who are at risk for genetically inherited cancer. Our expert genetic medicine team includes physicians and genetic counselors who can help guide you make the best decisions for your health care future and the future of your family members. To learn more about this program or to find out if genetic testing is right for you call the Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program at 415-600-5961. Or visit the Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program Web page.

The Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program offers cancer genetic evaluation and counseling services to individuals and families who may be at an increased risk for developing cancer. The services include medical history evaluation with a trained genetic counselor, medical oncologist consultation, physician referrals, genetic testing facilitation, and psychosocial support.