Who is at risk?
Knowing the risk factors for hereditary cancers helps you assist your patients in making lifestyle choices that might prevent cancer and inform them if they should speak to a genetic counselor.
Risk factors for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer BRCA 1/2
Individuals may want to speak with a genetic counselor about testing for BRCA1/2 if they have any of the following in their family:
- Breast cancer before age 50.
- Cancer in both breasts in the same woman.
- Both breast and ovarian cancers in the same woman, or the same family.
- Multiple breast cancers.
- Two or more types of BRCA1- or BRCA2-related cancers in a single family member.
- Cases of male breast cancer.
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
- A known BRCA1/2 mutation.
Men can also be at risk for certain cancers if they have the BRCA1/2 mutation.
Risk factors for Lynch Syndrome and hereditary colorectal (colon) cancer
Individuals should speak with a genetic counselor about testing for Lynch Syndrome if they have any of the following in their family.
- He or she has colorectal cancer younger than age 50.
- He or she has colorectal cancer and other cancers linked with Lynch syndrome at the same time or apart.
- He or she has colorectal cancer with tumor features linked to Lynch syndrome at an age younger than 60.
- Colorectal cancer is found in one or more first-degree relatives.