Most cancers develop by chance in an individual and are not due to an inherited cause. However, about 5% to 10% of cancers are thought to be caused by inherited genetic changes (called pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants). These variants can be passed down in families.

Genetic testing can help you learn more about your risk of developing hereditary cancers. Knowing your risks can help you and your doctor establish a personalized medical management plan. For some individuals, this might include increased cancer screening or interventions that can lower the risk of developing cancers.

Depending on the gene, testing positive for a pathogenic variant could mean that you have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers. Because pathogenic variants often run in families, your relatives may also have inherited the same variant. Genetic testing can help you and your family members:

⦁ Take steps to detect cancer early/lower the risk of developing certain cancers
⦁ Determine the best treatment approach if cancer occurs
⦁ Identify if there is an inherited risk to develop cancer in a family so that relatives can make an informed decision about genetic testing

You can still benefit from hereditary cancer genetic testing even if you currently have cancer or have been diagnosed with cancer in the past. Genetic testing can help identify underlying hereditary causes of your cancer. This test might help you and your healthcare provider:

⦁ Better understand your risk of developing additional cancer(s)
⦁ Identify strategies to reduce the risk of developing additional cancer(s)
⦁ Take steps to detect cancer early. Early detection may help improve outcomes
⦁ Determine the best treatment approach for certain types of cancers

A positive result means that testing identified at least one harmful genetic change in a gene that is associated with increased risk for developing cancer. Such genetic changes are referred to as a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant on your genetic test report. In some cases, an individual who only has one pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a gene is not expected to have an increased risk of developing cancer.

The type of cancer, level of risks, and medical management recommendations will depend on your specific genetic test result.

If your test result is positive, genetic testing may be indicated for your family members to determine if they carry the same pathogenic variant as you. Your test result is a piece of powerful information that can help both you and your family understand cancer risks. Your test result can also help you and your family members make informed healthcare decisions with appropriate healthcare providers.

Starting the conversation about genetic testing with your family members can help them understand the importance of this information. In some cases, your family members’ genetic test result may enable them to take steps to reduce their cancer risk or detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Sharing this type of information is important, but keep in mind that your relatives’ views about health and cancer may differ from your own.

Cancers in family - 2 or more related cancers on same side of family, or in the same person or

Ashkenazi Jewish - Ancestry at greater risk for hereditary cancer, especially with history of breast or prostate cancers in family, or

Rare cancers - Diagnosed at any age, such as ovarian, pancreatic, male breast cancer, or metastic prostate cancers, or

Early Onset - Common cancers diagnosed before the age of 50, such as breast, colon, or uterine cancers

⦁ About 10% of cancer is hereditary which means genes that you inherit from your parents can make you more likely to get certain types of cancer.
⦁ Knowing your risk for hereditary cancer empowers you to take steps for early detection and prevention, such as comprehensive cancer screening, preventative medication, or risk-reducing surgery.
⦁ Discovering your risk can help your family make informed choices about hereditary cancer testing and cancer screening.
⦁ 1 in 8 cancer diagnoses may be associated with a hereditary variant
⦁ 1 in 5 patients have a personal or family history suggestive of hereditary cancer
⦁ Individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes have a higher chance to develop certain cancers than the general population and may develop these cancers at younger ages.  
⦁ Those with hereditary cancer syndromes can take steps to prevent cancer, detect cancer earlier and/or treat cancer more effectively.