Genetic tests look for changes in DNA that are associated with a high risk of inherited cancer. Testing helps inform individuals of cancer risk, including: breast, ovarian, colon, uterine and melanoma. Genetic counseling is performed before testing to develop a plan of action, which may include surgery, preventative therapies and frequent screenings.

Candidates may have:

• Personal or family history of cancer
• Family history of cancer diagnosed at a young age
• Multiple family members with the same type of cancer
• Family member with more than one cancer diagnosis
• Family member with a rare type of cancer
• Family history of a genetic alteration associated with a hereditary cancer syndrome

Genetic tests available:

• BRCA1 (breast, ovarian, prostate)
• BRCA2 (breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic)
• MSH2, MLH1, MSH6 (colon, uterine, ovarian)
• APC (colon with multiple polyps)
• CDKN2, CDK4 (melanoma, pancreatic)
• P53 (breast, bone, brain, leukemia)
• RBI (retinoblastoma)
• RET (medullary thyroid, parathyroid, pheochromocytoma)

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