Inherited genetic mutations play a major role in about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers, possibly more. Researchers have associated pathogenic mutations in specific genes within our DNA in more than 50 hereditary cancer syndromes. These syndromes may predispose a person to developing cancer. At Cancer Care Northwest we offer comprehensive Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment (CGRA) and genetic testing to identify high-risk patients and provide personalized care plans.
Genetic testing can help determine if you have an increased risk for certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, endometrial (uterine cancer), stomach cancer, ureter/renal pelvis, biliary tract, small bowel, pancreas, brain, or sebaceous adenomas. Knowing your risk can prevent cancer or detect disease when it is more curable.
If you have a personal history of breast, ovarian, colon, or pancreatic or other cancers, and/or a strong family history of cancer, you should consider a cancer genetic risk assessment at Cancer Care Northwest. Individuals with a genetic predisposition have a far greater chance of developing certain cancers within their lifetime, typically at an earlier age of onset. Please speak to your provider about whether cancer genetic risk assessment is right for you.
There are multiple benefits to undergoing a cancer genetic risk assessment, including:
Consequently, there are also risks to undergoing a cancer genetic risk assessment, including:
A comprehensive cancer genetic risk assessment at Cancer Care Northwest may include the following:
Cancer Care Northwest’s CGRA Program is led by Jennifer Lazzara, DNP, ARNP, CGRA, a nurse practitioner and certified genetic risk assessment provider.