Cancer Genetics Evaluation Program

Knowledge can be a powerful tool in cancer detection and prevention. The Cancer Genetics Evaluation Program was developed to help individuals and families with an increased risk of developing cancer based on a hereditary susceptibility. The program offers consultation to individuals who have already had cancer and are concerned about their risk for subsequent cancers, as well as unaffected individuals who are considered high-risk. Genetic counselors, a medical geneticist, along with a team of oncology specialists, provide individualized family history analysis, risk evaluation and when possible, offer strategies for risk reduction.

Loyola recommends that you have a cancer genetics evaluation if you have:

• Two or more close relatives who have the same or different cancers on the same side of your family
• Had cancer at an early age (under age 50) or have a close relative who has had cancer at an early age
• Had a rare cancer or have a close relative who has had a rare cancer (e.g. adrenal gland tumor or male breast cancer)
• Had more than one type of cancer or have a close relative who has had more than one type of cancer
• Had bilateral cancer or have a close relative who has had bilateral cancer (e.g. breast or ovarian cancer on both sides or Wilm’s tumor)
• A relative with a known gene mutation that causes susceptibility to cancer (e.g. BRCA, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, APC, p53)
• A family history of a known hereditary cancer syndrome such as: Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), von Hippel Lindau (VHL), Li Fraumeni, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN), or Retinoblastoma

Genetic testing is available in many situations to help clarify your cancer risks. Whether or not genetic testing is appropriate is discussed during your genetic counseling visit. However, genetic testing is a personal choice and not everyone who sees a genetic counselor has genetic testing. Many insurance plans will cover the costs of both genetic counseling and genetic testing. For individuals whose insurance companies will not cover the cost of genetic testing, our team can assist you with alternative payment options.

Genetic counseling offers many benefits. For example, genetic counseling can be reassuring if, after the evaluation, you find your risk is not considered to be any higher than that of an individual in the general population. On the other hand, if you do have an increased risk, a surveillance program for early detection can be tailored to suit your needs, or cancer prevention strategies can be discussed, such as risk-reducing medications or surgeries.

Locations and Contacts
The Cancer Genetics Evaluation Program is located at:

Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center

If you would like to make an appointment or find out more about the program, please call us at (888) LUHS-888 and ask for extension 7-3357.

Program Director
Lauren Bowling, MS, cancer genetic counselor and program coordinator
Carolyn Jones, MD, PhD, FAAP, FAAMG, geneticist