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Cancer Genetics

Genetics play a role in some types of breast, ovarian, adrenal, thyroid, colon, melanoma, pancreas and thyroid cancers

According to the National Cancer Institute, gathering genetic information such as family history and (in some cases) DNA-based testing helps identify people with an increased risk of cancer. It must be stressed that it only indicates an increased risk. In some cases, family history may indicate the presence of mutations which may lead to cellular changes increasing the risk of cancer. Less often, family history indicates the presence of an inherited cancer predisposition conferring a relatively high lifetime risk of cancer. In some cases, DNA-based testing can be used to confirm a specific mutation as the cause of the inherited risk, and to determine whether family members have inherited the mutation. For more information, please visit the National Cancer Institute's web site.

The U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center provides screening and counseling services in the following two clinics:

• Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetic Risk Clinic
• Cancer Genetics Clinics

The Prostate Cancer Genetics Project is a long-term, ongoing research project studying prostate cancer in families.

What is genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is a communication process that translates medical information into understandable terms and addresses the implications of this information for the individual and their family. The goals of genetic counseling are to help individuals and their families:

• understand the genetic condition and how it is inherited
• provide comprehensive information so that informed health-care and life decisions can be made
• address the personal and family issues related to the genetic condition

Related Articles:

• Family Matters: When Cancer Is Inherited
• Colon cancer risk: Its often all in the family

See also:

• Cancer Genetics page on the National Cancer Institute's web site
• GeneticHealth.com