Clinical Cancer Genetics Services Overview
Who should consider Genetic Testing and Counseling?
The most common inherited cancers include breast, ovarian and colon, although other types exist. The characteristics of genetic cancers include:
- Diagnosis at an early age
- Bilateral or multiple tumors
- Multiple generations affected on the same
The following criteria are used to determine who should consider genetic testing for some of the specific hereditary cancer syndromes.
Breast and Ovarian Cancer
You
- Diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40
- Male diagnosed with breast cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50
- Diagnosed with ovarian cancer
- Diagnosed with breast cancer at any age and two close relatives with breast, ovarian, thyroid or uterine cancer
Family History (Same Side of the Family)
- Two close relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger
- A close relative diagnosed with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
- A close relative diagnosed with male breast cancer
- Breast and thyroid or uterine cancer in the same side of the family
Colorectal Cancer
You
- Diagnosed with colon or uterine (endometrial) cancer at age 45 or younger
- Diagnosed with either two colon cancers or colon and uterine cancer at any age
- Diagnosed to have 10 or more colon polyps
- Diagnosed with a colon tumor that is found to be micro-satellite instable (MSI positive)
- Family History (Same Side of the Family)
- Two close relatives diagnosed with colon cancer; one at 50 years old or younger
- Three close relatives diagnosed with colorectal and/or uterine cancer at any age
Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer
You
- Diagnosed with diffuse gastric cancer before the age of 35
- Diagnosed with both diffuse gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer
- Family History (Same Side of the Family)
- Two or more relatives diagnosed with diffuse gastric cancer, with at least one diagnosed before the age of 50
- Three or more relatives diagnosed with diffuse gastric cancer
- A relative diagnosed with diffuse gastric cancer and another with either lobular breast cancer OR signet ring colon cancer
Other Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
You
- Multiple primary tumors (particularly endocrine, sarcoma or brain) at early ages
- Diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer (pediatric or adult)
- Diagnosed with paraganglioma
- Family History (Same Side of the Family)
- Many relatives on the same side of the family with cancer, especially endocrine, sarcoma and brain, diagnosed at early ages (less than 50)
Pediatric Cancer Syndromes
You
- Diagnosed with colorectal polyps as a child
- Diagnosed with hepatoblastoma (liver tumor), retinoblastoma or adrenocorticoid tumor as a child
Family History (Same Side of the Family)
- Family history of multiple cases of childhood cancer
- A close relative diagnosed with a Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Von Hippel-Lindau, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia or Li-Fraumeni Syndromes
Genetic Counseling
Cancer results from an accumulation of genetic changes within a cell that allow uncontrolled cell growth. In the vast majority of cancers, these changes are not inherited but occur after birth due to random biological events and exposure to certain environmental agents.
Occasionally, families have a very strong cancer history suggesting that a major, inherited cancer predisposition gene is responsible. The most common inherited cancers include breast, ovarian and colon although other types exist.
The Stanford Cancer Center offers genetic counseling and genetic testing for individuals concerned about the risk of an inherited cancer predisposition.
Our services include individualized cancer risk assessments based on medical and family history, detailed discussion of options for genetic testing and recommendations for preventive screening and treatments.
Our team includes genetic counselors, oncologists and geneticists.
Genetic counseling involves a comprehensive personal risk analysis and education about the genetic mechanisms related to cancer.
If indicated, genetic testing is offered, but only after the benefits, risks and limits of each test are carefully considered. Choosing if and when to test is ultimately a very personal decision.
Stanford Expertise
Our goals are to educate people about familial cancer, provide clear options for medical or surgical interventions, and enhance the quality of life for high risk cancer families.
Counselors in the program can provide assistance and information on all hereditary cancers. Once genetic test results are available the genetic oncology specialists will offer specific options and recommendations for you.
The BRCA Decision Tool guides the management of cancer risks for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.
High-Risk Surveillance
Once someone is found to be “high-risk” for a specific type(s) of cancer the Stanford Clinical Cancer team’s genetic oncology specialists offer options and recommendations for surveillance, preventive treatments, screening tests and procedures. Options may include intensive monitoring, medications or if appropriate, prophylactic surgery. Participation in research protocols and clinical trials will be offered if available.
The most common inherited cancers include breast, ovarian and colon, although other types exist. The characteristics of genetic cancers include:
- Diagnosis at an early age
- Bilateral or multiple tumors
- Multiple generations affected on the same side of the family
Trial Administration