Cancer Genetics at OhioHealth

Is my family at risk for cancer?

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call OhioHealth CancerCall at (614)566-4321 or 1-800-752-9119.

People often say, "Cancer runs in my family." In fact, one in every three people will be diagnosed with cancer during his or her lifetime.

A family history of cancer does not always mean that there is hereditary risk of cancer in the family.
When several members of the same family have had the same or related cancers, or when cancer has occurred at a younger age than usual, there is a greater likelihood that the risk for cancer is hereditary.

On this page

What is hereditary cancer?

How do I know if I am at high risk for hereditary cancer?

What is a cancer risk assessment?

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Your cancer risk assessment appointments – step-by-step

Genetic testing and health insurance: answers to common questions

Our locations

High Risk Breast Clinic

What is hereditary cancer?
Hereditary cancer results from changes in the genetic information that is passed from parents to their children (our genes).

Individuals with a change in their genetic information have a greater risk of developing cancer than people whose genetic information has not changed.
One in every ten persons with cancer has a hereditary form of cancer.

— back to top —

How do I know if I am at high risk for hereditary cancer?
You might be at high risk for hereditary cancer if you or your family has a history of:

Cancer diagnosed under the age of 50 years
More than one cancer in the same person
Two or more relatives with the same type of cancer on the same side of the family
Male breast cancer
Rare cancers
Breast and ovarian cancer in close family members
Colon and uterine cancer in close family members
Breast or ovarian cancer and a Jewish background

A cancer risk nurse and genetic counselor can provide you with a cancer risk assessment to help identify if the cancer in your family is hereditary.

— back to top —

What is a cancer risk assessment?
A cancer risk assessment is a series of appointments with a cancer risk nurse, a genetic counselor and a physician. At these appointments you will:

Answer questions about your health history
Talk about your family's history of cancer
Learn about the chance of developing cancer in the future
If you have already had cancer, learn about the chance of developing other cancers
Discuss cancer risks for other family members
Review cancer screening options for you and your family
Learn about genetic testing for cancer risk
Consider if genetic testing is right for you and your family

— back to top —

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Obtain a referral from your physician for genetic counseling
Collect information about family members who have had cancer:
- What type of cancer did they have?
- How old were they when they found out they had cancer?
- Make sure to go back several generations
- Make sure to look at both sides of your family, including cousins
Make copies of any medical reports that you have
Ask about insurance and the cost of a cancer risk assessment when you schedule your appointment
Think about how you might feel talking about cancer or your risk for cancer
Consider bringing a support person to your appointment

— back to top —

Your cancer risk assessment appointments – step-by-step

Appointment #1 – Phone consultation
You will speak with a cancer risk nurse who will take a detailed family history and personal medical history. This includes information on all family members, even if they have never had cancer.

After this phone consultation, our team of genetic counselors, physicians and nurses will conduct an in-depth review of your case.

Appointment #2 - Genetic Counseling
You will meet with a genetic counselor, your cancer risk nurse and a physician. This team will review their recommendations and discuss medical management options and genetic testing if appropriate. This appointment includes a detailed discussion of:

The likelihood that the cancers in a family are hereditary
The risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing
Available screening and risk reduction options

If you proceed with genetic testing, we will assist with the lab work and processing.

Appointment #3 - Results
If you decide to have genetic testing, you will have a third appointment to learn your test results in person. This appointment includes a detailed discussion of:

The meaning of your results for you and other family members
Options or recommendations for future cancer detection and risk reduction based on your results

After Your Appointments
Following your appointments, you will receive a detailed letter that summarizes the information discussed. At your request, we will send a copy of this letter to your primary care physician or referring physician, and to anyone else you choose. We can also help you write your own letter to family members to inform them of your results and any steps they should take.

— back to top —

Genetic testing and health insurance: answers to common questions

Many heath insurance companies cover genetic testing for people who have a strong personal or family history of cancer. And, there are state and national laws that protect you from insurance discrimination.

The OhioHealth Cancer Genetics program can help you get the facts, starting with Genetic Testing and Health Insurance: Answers to Common Questions, an informative PDF document that answers questions such as: