Genetic Risk Assessments and Testing

Medical discoveries are expanding our knowledge and understanding of the link between cancer and genetics. Certain types of cancer, like breast, ovarian, colon, endometrial, melanoma and pancreatic, tend to be hereditary.

At MercyOne, we offer risk assessments, genetic testing, genetic counseling and cancer screening recommendations for you and your family.

Who may benefit from a risk assessment?

If you are concerned about your family history of cancer, you may benefit from an evaluation. Some common signs of hereditary cancer are:

• Multiple family members with the same type of cancer
• A cancer diagnosis at an early age – before age 50
• A family member with more than one type of cancer
• Cancer in multiple close relatives
• A known cancer genetic abnormality

Family history of cancer does not always mean that you are at high risk for cancer. The assessment will help clarify your specific risk factors and deal with them accordingly.

What are the goals of a risk assessment?

Genetic risk assessments assist in determining the likelihood of inheriting cancer in a family. The goals of our program are to:

• Conduct a genetic risk assessment based on personal and family risk factors.
• Education of informed consent on genetic testing.
• Facilitate genetic testing.
• Collaborate with medical oncologists and other referring providers regarding medical options available for genetically susceptible individuals and their families.
• Identify potential risk reduction strategies based on family history of cancer, when applicable.