Most families have at least one or two people who experience cancer. This may make you wonder if you’re at a higher risk for cancer, too. Typically, cancer develops because of a combination of factors, including age, lifestyle factors, and environmental exposures. However, some cancers are linked to inherited genetic mutations that can be passed down from one generation to the next.
If multiple family members have had cancer, or if certain types of cancers appear at younger ages than expected, you could be at higher cancer risk. Genetic counseling and genetic testing can help answer those questions and provide valuable information for you and your family.
Evaluating Family History for Cancer Risk
While having a relative, or a few relatives, with cancer does not necessarily mean you have inherited a genetic mutation that can lead to cancer, there is some chance that you did. It is most informative to test the individual with the concerning cancer diagnosis. 5-10% of cancer diagnoses are related to an inherited risk of cancer. Some cancer diagnoses, such as ovarian cancer or pancreatic cancer, are less common, and genetic testing is recommended. Other cancer diagnoses, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, or prostate cancer, are more common types of cancer, but when there is a young diagnosis of these cancers or multiple individuals in the family affected by these cancers, that is more concerning for an inherited cancer risk. When these cancers occur frequently within a family, genetic counseling can help determine if inherited factors contribute to your personal risk.
Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling?
Some common reasons to consider genetic counseling and genetic testing include:
- You or a close family member has been diagnosed with cancer at a young age (for that type of cancer), such as breast cancer or colon cancer, before the age of 50
- A personal history of more than one type of cancer
- A relative has a confirmed inherited gene mutation related to cancer risk
- Several relatives have the same type of cancer, such as three family members (on the same side of the family) with prostate cancer
- A personal or family history of male breast, ovarian, or pancreatic, or prostate cancer
Even if you are healthy and have never been diagnosed with cancer, your family history can provide important insights into your future risk. Understanding these risks can help you make informed decisions about cancer screening, if available, and ways to reduce your cancer risk.
Learn more about whether you are at risk.
Meeting With a Genetic Counselor
If you are considering genetic testing, meeting with a genetic counselor is the first step. Genetic counselors have specialized training in genetics and hereditary conditions. They can evaluate your personal and family history, help determine whether genetic testing is appropriate for you, guide you in selecting the test that best fits your situation, and interpret test results.
The counselor may also discuss a personalized screening plan with your primary care provider. The goal of a genetic counselor is to provide education so you can make informed decisions about your genetic health.
What to Expect During a Counseling Session
A genetic counseling appointment primarily involves discussing your personal and family health history. During the visit, the genetic counselor may:
- Review your personal medical history
- Discuss your family’s cancer history in detail
- Assess your personal risk for developing cancer
- Explain available testing options
- Discuss the benefits and limitations of testing
- Review possible outcomes and how they could impact you and your family members
It’s important to note that genetic counseling and genetic testing are not the same. Genetic counseling provides individuals with the information they need to understand their inherited risk and decide if genetic testing is right for them. In contrast, genetic testing involves analyzing DNA to identify any inherited genetic mutations.
Not everyone who meets with a genetic counselor will choose to undergo testing. The goal is to give you the information and support you need to feel confident in your health decisions.
In the video below, Becky Clark, Genetic Counselor at Compass Oncology, explains her role and what happens in a genetic evaluation.
What Is Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk?
Genetic testing looks for inherited mutations in specific genes that may increase the likelihood of developing certain cancers. It is important to note that this testing cannot predict with certainty whether someone will develop cancer. Instead, it aims to identify specific inherited mutations that can raise the risk.
Only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary, so if possible, it is most informative to test the individual with the concerning cancer diagnosis to determine if other family members may also benefit from genetic testing. Identifying those who do carry inherited mutations can help guide proactive health measures, such as prevention strategies and increased screening.
How is Genetic Testing Done?
Most genetic tests are performed using either a blood or saliva sample. The sample is sent to a genetic testing laboratory, where it is analyzed for specific inherited genetic changes.
Results are typically available within several weeks, although this can vary depending on the type of testing performed. Before any genetic testing takes place, it is recommended that individuals meet with a genetic counselor so they can fully understand the potential benefits, limitations, and possible outcomes.
Benefits of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can provide valuable information that goes beyond simply identifying whether a mutation is present.
Potential benefits include:
- Personalized screening plans: Genetic testing can lead to tailored strategies, such as earlier or more frequent cancer screening.
- Informed healthcare decisions: Individuals can make educated choices on prevention based on their genetic information.
- Family information: Results can help family members assess their own risk and plan next steps.
- Peace of mind: Genetic testing provides clarity on cancer risk, helping individuals feel more confident about their health.
What If You Test Negative but Still Have a Family History of Cancer?
A negative genetic test result means no inherited genetic changes linked to increased cancer risk were identified in the genes that were tested. However, this does not completely rule out the possibility of an increased cancer risk, especially if there is a strong family history.
Family history plays an important role in assessing cancer risk. Even when genetic testing produces negative results, some individuals may still benefit from earlier or more frequent cancer screenings based on their personal and family health history.
At Compass Oncology, individuals with a family history of breast cancer can visit our high-risk breast clinic, where they can be monitored, and a personalized screening plan can be created.
Genetic Counseling at Compass Oncology
Understanding your family’s cancer history can be an important first step toward taking charge of your health. If you have concerns about cancer in your family, the genetic counseling team at Compass Oncology can address your questions, help you understand your personal risk, and determine if genetic testing would be beneficial for you.
To learn more about genetic testing or to meet with a genetic counselor in the Portland and Vancouver area, please call 971.708.7600.
