Hereditary Risk Assessment Program

Understanding Genetic Conditions So You Can Make Informed Decisions About Your Health

It is natural to be concerned about your risk of developing cancer when a family member has struggled with a similar disease. Cancer often develops by chance. In some cases, however, there are genetic factors that increase your likelihood of developing certain cancers over your lifetime.

The Hereditary Risk Assessment Program at Starling Physicians can help you determine your risk of developing cancer, especially if you or someone in your family has been previously diagnosed. Our Hereditary Risk Assessment Advanced Practice Providers are specifically trained to help you understand genetic conditions, assess your risk of being affected by certain cancers, and support you in making informed decisions about testing and treatment.

Who Should Consider Hereditary Risk Assessment? >>

Hereditary Cancer Risks

Based on genetics, some people and their family members are more likely to develop certain types of cancer. These families often share a common genetic factor, or altered gene, that is inherited. People in these families have a higher chance of developing cancer than those in the general public. At least ten percent of all cancers are due to an altered gene inherited from one or both of the person’s parents that are passed down in families. People who carry such altered genes do not always develop cancer, but their risk of developing cancer at some point is higher than average.

Some “red flags” for genetic related cancers include cancers under the age of 50, rare cancers, and families having multiple members with cancer.

Altered genes:

Many altered genes have been identified that can increase a person’s cancer risk. Genetic testing can be used to evaluate whether an ndividual has an altered gene associated with an increased risk of developing certain cancers such as breast, ovarian, colon, uterine, pancreatic, kidney, thyroid, and other cancers. If genetic testing identifies an altered gene (hereditary predisposition to cancer), the individual
who carries the altered gene will be offered special cancer screening and prevention options which may play a key role in his or her healthcare decisions.

About Genetic Education & Genetic Testing

Genetic education and/or testing can help you evaluate your cancer risk so you can be proactive about your health.

Genetic education:

We will review your personal and family history of cancer to identify your risk factors and appropriate cancer screening and prevention options. Genetic education includes an explanation of the scientific information related to genetic testing and which genetic tests may be useful.

Genetic testing:

We will discuss the benefits, limitations, and options for genetic testing, as well as detailed interpretation of results, if you choose this path. Genetic testing may not be useful for everyone receiving genetic education.  Deciding whether to have genetic testing is a personal choice that can be made at the time of genetic education or in the future. Genetic testing is a simple blood test.

For more information or to schedule a visit:

Enfield
9 Cranbrook Blvd., Enfield, CT
(860) 253-5330 option 5

Wethersfield
1260 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT
(860) 246-6647

Recognized for hematology-oncology practices that meet nationally recognized standards for quality cancer care.