About 5-10% of all cancers are inherited. This means that mutations in specific genes are passed down from one blood relative to another. Individuals who inherit one of these abnormal genes are at increased risk for developing cancer in their lifetime and are more likely to develop cancer at an earlier age. Based on your hereditary cancer risk assessment, it may be recommended that you undergo genetic testing. This usually involves a simple blood draw or saliva collection. The results may help determine whether you or members of your family face higher risks for certain types of cancer or help explain why cancer has occurred in you or your family members. If you undergo genetic testing, you will meet with our doctors a second time to go over your test results. They will explain what your results mean to you as well as make recommendations to help you reduce your risks for developing cancer (or for developing a second cancer if you have already been diagnosed).
Do You Know Your Risk For:
Listen to Nancy Donini’s discussion regarding genetic testing
and Illinois CancerCare’s programs
