Family Cancer Risk Evaluation

St. Luke’s Family Cancer Risk Evaluation Program is available to individuals concerned they may be at increased risk to develop cancer based on their family history.

What does the Program Involve?

At the initial education session, a certified genetic counselor will review the family history and draw a family tree.

The genetic counselor with then discuss:

• Basic genetics and hereditary
  cancer syndromes
• Personalized cancer risks
• General recommendations for screening and cancer
  risk management
• The benefits and limitations of genetic testing for hereditary
  cancer risk
• Legal and social concerns
• Support and educational resources

All of the above information can be presented in a group family session. Additional appointments may be necessary to discuss the results of genetic testing.

Is a Physician Referral Required?

Those interested in the program may be self-referred or referred by their physician.

Will Insurance Pay for Genetic Testing?

• Many insurance plans will pay for genetic testing.
• Financial issues will be discussed individually.

Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling?

Genetic counseling may be appropriate for anyone with:

• A personal or family history of:
• Cancer diagnosed at an unusually young age
• More than one family member with the same or related cancers
• Individuals with bilateral cancers or more than one primary cancer
• Two or more generations of the family affected
• Concern or anxiety about personal or family cancer risk
• Interest in genetic testing for cancer genes and to discuss cancer risk management options