The phrase “it runs in the family” can be all too true when it comes to cancer.
Memorial Hospital is proud to now be the only provider in the region offering Comprehensive hereditary risk assessment and genetic testing – either Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome or Lynch syndrome.
This offers people with a family or personal history of breast, ovarian, colon and uterine cancers peace of mind, as mutations or variations in genes passed from parent to child can drastically raise the risk of cancer (in some cases 100%) -- and knowing if you're at risk allows you to take action to reduce this risk in advance.
A simple saliva or blood sample for BRCA testing and Lynch Testing can determine whether a patient has these mutations so that proactive steps can be taken to reduce their cancer risk or even prevent cancer from developing at all in themselves or family members. In addition, those that test negative still need a personalized medical plan that our experience team can offer.
About Hereditary Cancer
Up to 10% of cancers are due to factors that are passed from one generation to the next. These syndromes are known as hereditary cancers, and there are certain genetic tests that can determine an individual's risk for these cancers. If you do not have these mutations we also will provide the highest level of risk assessment and personalized care in the area.
If you have reason to suspect that you or someone you know may be at risk for cancer, such as a family history of cancer, membership in an at-risk ethnic population, or other factor, we encourage genetic testing among individuals so that they can take action – preventing cancer to live longer healthier lives.
The Benefits Of Hereditary Cancer Risk Testing
There are many benefits to getting this test, regardless of the eventual result.
If a family member had cancer, however distant, there is a chance that a gene mutation was inherited that not only increases the present or future risk, but also could be passed along to the next generation.
If you or someone you know is a carrier of a hereditary cancer gene mutation, it could signal a risk for getting cancer earlier in life than someone in the general population. The sooner testing takes place, the easier it is to manage the risk appropriately.
If you think you may be at risk, call us at 603-356-5472 to schedule your evaluation.