Does cancer run in your family? Feist-Weiller Cancer Center’s own experienced Advanced Practice Nurse in Genetics (APNG) provides genetic counseling for people at risk for hereditary cancers. Inherited gene changes are responsible for 5-10% of all cancers. A careful review of one’s personal and family history will help determine whether cancer is hereditary in your family.
Risk factors for melanoma or breast, ovarian, colorectal, and endometrial uterine cancers:
- cancer before the age of 50 (Breast, Ovarian, Colon, or Endometrial)
- families with two or more women with breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 50
- women with breast cancer diagnosed 50 years old or younger, even in the absence of a family history
- personal or family history of ovarian cancer (at any age)
- personal or family history of male breast cancer (at any age)
- personal or family history of bilateral breast cancer-cancer in both breasts (at any age)
- personal or family history of both breast & ovarian cancer in the same individual (at any age)
- Ashkenazi Jewish background with a personal or family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer
- polyposis (multiple polyps in the stomach or intestines)
- same type of cancer in several generations of your family
- concern about developing cancer because of family history
It is important to remember that this list is only to help you think about your family history of cancer. Not everyone who has one of these risk factors is at risk for hereditary cancer.
What does the Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment Program at Feist-Weiller Cancer Center offer?
Family History Review. A review of your medical and family history to determine if there are any signs of hereditary cancer.
Hereditary Cancer Education. A discussion on how genetic changes (mutations) may increase your risk for cancer.
Screening and Prevention. A review of the screening and prevention options based on your family history.
Genetic Testing. A discussion of the testing options for certain genetic changes (mutations).
Watch this video to learn about Genetic Counseling at Feist-Weiller Cancer Center. |
Genetic Counseling Staff
Gary Von Burton, MD
Co-Director, Multidisciplinary Breast, Sarcoma, and Brain Tumor Programs
Mary Lowery Nordberg, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine/Pediatrics, Feist-Weiller Cancer Center
Molecular Pathology
Email questions about Genetic Counseling, or call 318.813.1437.
Fax Genetic Counseling referral and Genetic Counseling program form to 318.813.1241.