Genetic Testing

Our comprehensive cancer program offers genetic counseling by state of the art clinical testing. Under your doctor guidance and advice this early detection tool can provide valuable information for you and generations to come.

Mutations in certain genes make people more susceptible to certain types of cancers. Inherited alterations of these genes are involved in many of these hereditary cancers. The test is done privately by our screening counselor; Estelle Hansen R.N. It offers the patient information and peace of mind that everything possible is being done to detect high risk families.

We provide screening for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer which is called BRCA1 and BRCA2, Colon cancers which include HNPCC, Hereditary non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer and FAP, familial adenomatous polyposis, attenuated FAP and Melanoma.

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Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer

Breast and ovarian cancer are topics of concern for all women - regardless of family history. Each year, close to 200,000 cases of breast cancer and about 25,000 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed. While the majority of breast and ovarian cancers are not caused by inherited risk factors, research has shown that about 10 percent of these cases are hereditary.

Mutations in certain genes make some women more susceptible to developing breast and other types of cancer. Inherited alterations in the genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 are involved in many cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Researchers are searching for other genes that may also increase a woman's cancer risk.

The likelihood that breast and/or ovarian cancer is associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 is highest in families with a history of multiple cases of breast cancer, cases of both breast and ovarian cancer, one or more family members with two primary cancers (original tumors at different sites), or an Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish background. However, not every woman in such families carries an alteration in BRCA1 or BRCA2, and not every cancer in such families is linked to alterations in these genes

Hereditary colon and endometrial cancer

As many as 150,000 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year in both men and women of all ages. Five to ten percent of these cases are caused by inherited gene mutations that increase a person's lifetime risk of colorectal cancer. Hereditary non-poliposis colon cancer and the adenomatous polyposis syndromes are the most common inherited syndromes that increase the risk for colorectal cancer and, in some cases, for other cancers. The adenomatous polyposis syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis, attenuated FAP and MYH -associated polyposis .

The most distinct difference between the inherited colorectal cancer syndromes is the number of polyps that develop in the colon and rectum. The adenomatous polyposis syndromes are all associated with multiple precancerous (adenomatous) colorectal polyps. Usually patients with these conditions develop between ten and thousands of polyps throughout their lifetime. In contrast, HNPCC is associated with very few polyps that appear mostly on the right side of the colon. With all the inherited colorectal cancer syndromes, there is a significant lifetime risk of colorectal cancer.

HNPCC is caused by an inherited mutation in the MLH1, MSH2, or MSH6 genes that, when functioning normally, work to prevent cancer. Signs of HNPCC include early-onset (often before age 50) of colorectal and/or endometrial (uterine) cancer, as well as other related cancers such as: ovarian, stomach, kidney/urinary tract, brain, biliary tract, pancreas, small bowel, and sebaceous adenomas.

Hereditary melanoma and pancreatic cancer

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that is highly curable when caught early. While melanoma only accounts for a small portion of skin cancer cases, it is the cause of most skin cancer-related deaths. The number of new melanomas diagnosed in the United States is rising rapidly, with over 59,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

While the cause of all melanomas is not known, it is estimated that 10 percent of melanomas are associated with familial or inherited syndromes. Most hereditary melanoma is believed to be caused by mutations in a specific gene called p16. The p16 gene, when functioning normally, protects against unchecked cell growth. However, when the p16 gene is damaged, cells are allowed to grow in an unregulated way and cause cancer. Alterations in this gene significantly increase your risk of melanoma and pancreatic cancer.

Myriad Genetic Laboratories

Myriad Genetic Laboratories is a leader in cancer predisposition testing. Myriad discovered the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that cause hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and now offers the most accurate clinical tests available to determine predisposition to cancer: BRACAnalysis® for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, COLARIS® for hereditary colon and endometrial cancer, COLARIS AP® for hereditary colorectal polyps and cancer, and MELARIS® for hereditary melanoma and pancreatic cancer. These tests are unparalleled in accuracy, quality and customer service.