Understanding hereditary cancer risk assessment/testing

  • Some families have more cancer than others. It’s estimated that 10% of cancers are tied to a hereditary gene.1

    Testing for hereditary cancer genes involves either a blood draw or a saliva sample. The sample is analyzed for genes that carry an increased risk of developing cancer.

    Reference

    1. The Genetics of Cancer. National Cancer Institute. April 22, 2015. Updated August 8, 2024. Accessed September, 27, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics

  • Many patients have cancer in their family history. What is your family history telling you to watch out for?

    Testing for hereditary cancer markers can help individuals take action when family history is pointing to a potential future concern. If found to have increased risk for cancer, then adjustments to your monitoring can be made. Improved guided monitoring can catch cancer in an earlier stage, which can also improve prognosis.1

    Reference

    1. Crosby D, Bhatia S, Brindle KM, et al. Early detection of cancer. Science. 2022;375(6586):eaay9040. doi:10.1126/science.aay9040

  • Testing would be recommended based on many factors. Some of these factors include:

    A family member with cancer onset at a young age, generally before 50 years of age.1

    Multiple cancers in the same person in your family.1

    Family members with cancers that are considered rarer, such as pancreatic or ovarian.1

    Reference

    1. Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Risk. National Cancer Institue. May 1, 2024. Reviewed April 18, 2024. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/genetic-testing-fact-sheet