The American Cancer Society has outlined certain carcinogenic risk factors in families. Those with the following family histories should strongly consider CGx screening:

• Cancers occurring at young ages, such as colon cancer in an 18 year old
• Multiple cases of similar types of cancer, particularly rare or uncommon types
• Multiple types of cancer in one family member
• Cancers occurring in both of a pair of organs, such as both eyes or both kidneys
• Cancers in genders not typically affected, such as breast cancer in males
• Cancer occurring across generations, such as grandfather, then father and son
• Childhood cancer occurring in multiple siblings, i.e. lymphoma in a sister and her brother

Many inherited genetic variants are either neutral or beneficial, but some are believed to contribute to up to 10% of all cancers. Aforementioned historical family patterns of some cancer types, along with risk factors like age at cancer development, can signal Inherited Variant Susceptibility Syndrome.

We work with leading labs to offer multi-gene swab tests that accurately identify the presence of inherited gene mutations. A patient who chooses to screen for cancers that run in their family can benefit from the peace of mind a negative test will bring, while those with positive tests will benefit from early detection and the opportunity to manage their cancer risks and medical care. This includes changing behaviors and lifestyles that may potentially lead to elevated risk. As well as a more frequent follow up on the area(s) the gene may affect.