Hereditary Cancer Program

Hereditary factors account for a significant percent of all cancer diagnoses.

Breast cancer has an important genetic component, especially for a smaller segment (5 to 10 percent) of patients with specific genes known to have a relation with this disease.

The role genetics plays in cancer is complex and not fully understood. However, it is clear that a patient with a personal or family history of hereditary cancer has an increased risk for developing cancer compared to the average population. The genetics of breast cancer   provide us an opportunity to help certain individuals at high risk for the disease.

The appropriate screening and prevention measures for patients with a known risk for hereditary cancer are often more aggressive than for the general population. The good news is that more intensive screening for those individuals who are identified to carry a genetic risk can be live saving. Some patients may also choose to undergo preventive treatments, such as prophylactic surgery or chemoprevention trials.

The Jefferson Hereditary Cancer Program offers risk assessment, genetic counseling, and gene testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome as well as other hereditary cancers. In the detailed process, our experienced staff carefully evaluates a person’s medical and family history and analyses risk for carrying a hereditary breast cancer trait.

Based on the individual’s risk for hereditary breast cancer, our staff may recommend genetic testing. This may involve submitting a blood sample for sophisticated testing in the lab to reveal the presence of certain genes.

Cancer screening guidelines are provided for each individual and their family members. At risk family members are also offered the option to be seen in the program.