Genetics Program 

Familial cancer genetics program

As news about gene-related cancers increases, so has the concern about gene-inherited risk for cancer. Forty percent of Americans will develop cancer in their lifetimes, but only 10 percent of those carry a cancer gene.

For that 10 percent, though, early detection can significantly decrease the risk of developing cancer. Most importantly, it can increase the chance of identifying cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.

• The role of genetic evaluation and testing
• What to expect at your appointment
• To test or not to test
• Details to consider when scheduling genetic testing

The role of genetic evaluation and testing

Geisinger Cancer Services offers the familial cancer genetics program to help determine cancer risk. The program is led by oncologists and board-certified, masters-trained genetics counselors.

Started in 1999, the program provides risk assessment, cutting-edge genetic testing, counseling and intervention for anyone who feels at higher risk. The best candidates for genetic testing are those who have: 

• Multiple blood relatives with related cancers (the best way to determine if a cancer gene exists in a family is to have the family member with cancer tested)
• Family members who develop cancer at a young age (generally under 50)

If you meet these criteria or fear cancer and don’t know your family history, you may benefit from the program. 

What to expect at your appointment

Our unique approach begins with a family health assessment covering four generations to determine what cancers are present in family lines. Simply having family members with cancer does not necessarily increase risk, so the staff looks for:

• A close blood relationship
• Related cancers

You may also receive a physical examination. But there are typically no tests at the first appointment.

To test or not to test

The information obtained from the first appointment will be analyzed by a comprehensive computer program to determine risk for gene-related cancer.

Once the risk analysis is complete, you will receive recommendations about which, if any, genetic screening tests you may want to consider. The program team will work with your insurance company to get pre-authorization for genetic testing, after which the tests will be performed. (Insurance coverage is not affected by identification of a cancer gene.)

You will have the opportunity to discuss test results with the genetic counselor and physician. You will learn options for any cancers to which you may be predisposed and what you can do to offset the risk.

Details to consider when scheduling genetic testing

Before obtaining a genetic screening test consider:

• Some family members want to know their cancer risk and some don’t.
• A genetic predisposition to cancer does not guarantee a diagnosis of cancer. It means you are at a higher risk for developing cancer and that the risk increases with age.
• There are psychological implications of knowing if you are at a higher risk for cancer.
• Testing may alleviate a deeply held fear that you are at risk for cancer.
• Knowing risk gives the advantage of preventing and detecting cancer.

If needed, the familial cancer genetics program can refer you to other Geisinger specialists for counseling and consultation. If the assessment shows a high cancer risk, Geisinger Cancer Services can create a prevention plan tailored to your unique health, lifestyle and genetic risk.

For information or an appointment, call 800-275-6401.