Cancer Genetics Evaluations

Hereditary cancer conditions can increase your risk of developing cancer and may be passed down in families. Knowing whether you have one of these conditions can help you and your care team take next steps — like screening and sometimes preventive surgery — to help lower that risk.

Our genetics experts will review your medical and family histories to identify hereditary cancer conditions. We’ll explain your health risks and offer education, guidance and support for your entire family.

When to consider genetic counseling

We may recommend a cancer genetics evaluation if one or more of the following apply to you or a relative:

• Breast, colon or another cancer before age 50
• Several family generations with the same or related cancers (breast and ovarian, or colon and uterine cancers)
• Multiple cancers in one person
• Breast or ovarian cancer in women of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish descent
• Identification of a BRCA1, BRCA2 or other gene changes
• 10 or more colon polyps
• A rare tumor (male breast cancer, paraganglioma or medullary thyroid cancer) 12-GMI-754

Preparing for your appointment

Before your appointment, it can be helpful to gather details about your family’s health history, such as:

• Were any family members diagnosed with cancer and how are they related?
• What type of cancer did each relative have?
• At what age was each relative diagnosed?
• Have any relatives had genetic testing?
• How old are your relatives? At what age have other relatives died and what was the cause?

Creating a personalized plan

Our team of medical geneticists and genetic counselors will explain your diagnosis, answer your questions and talk with you about whether genetic testing makes sense. If needed, we’ll also coordinate with your providers and other Cleveland Clinic specialists to create a personalized care plan.

Scheduling a genetics evaluation

Ask your provider if a referral to genetic counseling is right for you. If you don’t have a primary care provider, please call us to learn about other options for scheduling an appointment.

Call 216.636.1768 or 800.998.4785 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

If your provider is not part of Cleveland Clinic, please have relevant medical records faxed to 216.445.6935.