Genetic Counseling

Moncrief Cancer Resources offers a genetic cancer risk assessment service. By identifying high-risk families we can help them understand their risk of developing cancer as well as their options for prevention, early detection and treatment. In many families a pattern of cancer is obvious. In other families a pattern may not be so easily seen due to a small family, or an incomplete family history. Current estimates are that at least 5% of all cancers are due to a specific inherited syndrome and approximately 10% of cancers are familial.

Characteristics of cancer that are inherited:

• A cancer occurring at an unusually young age compared with the usual presentation of that type of cancer
  
• Development of more than one type of cancer in an individual
  
• Family history of cancer of the same type in close relatives
  
• High rate of cancer within a family
  
• Related cancers in the same family (e.g., breast and ovarian; colon and endometrial)
  

One of the main reasons to seek cancer genetic counseling is to determine if you or your family members are at an increased risk of cancer. If it is determined there is an increased risk of cancer, certain preventative measures may be undertaken to reduce your risk of actually developing the disease. Further, discovering that you or your family members are not at increased risk of cancer can relieve anxiety and avoid unnecessary intensive monitoring strategies.

During a genetic risk assessment a complete family history will be obtained. Key medical records are reviewed in order to document the history. The basis for how cancer can occur and be inherited will be discussed. A cancer risk analysis and calculation will be done. The patient will be informed about the advantages and limitations of the genetic testing. All of the information discussed will be documented in a letter that will be sent to you following the visit.

Genetic testing may also be done. It is possible to look for changes in genetic material or genes that are related to cancer. Since some of these changes or alterations can be inherited, it is possible to detect these changes in the blood of you or your family members who do not have cancer.

Genetic testing can currently be done for breast and colon cancer. Other types of cancer testing may be available based on your family history.

Moncrief Cancer Resources is part of the UT Southwestern Familial Cancer Registry. This registry was established in 1992 to identify and monitor people who have an increased risk of cancer due to their family background. Enrollment in the registry is completely confidential. The registry is a database of families with various types of cancer who are participating in research studies. As new cancer genes are identified and the DNA sequence is determined, we will be able to study individuals who are at risk. Moncrief Cancer Resources is also part of the National Institute of Health Cancer Genetics Network.

To schedule an appointment or speak to the genetic counselor you may call: 214-645-HOPE (4673).

Knowing your family's health history is extremely important and can help health care professionals provide you with the best care available. Please use the following link to take you to the Department of Health and Human Services web site, www.hhs.gov/familyhistory. It will take you through the steps to develop your own family health portrait. Directions are available in both English and Spanish.