When a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, you may wonder if you're at increased risk for cancer yourself. One in three people will develop cancer in their lifetime, so it's not uncommon to see several family members who have had cancer due to chance or a shared environment. However, 5-10% of cancers are associated with an inherited factor that predisposes a person to cancer—especially breast, ovarian and colorectal. If these hereditary cancers run in your family, different screening and management options may be available to you.

If you're concerned about your family history of cancer, genetic counseling may help. A referral to a cancer genetic counselor does not mean you have a “hereditary” cancer; it simply means your physician feels it's important to gather more information about your personal and family history of cancer. Our genetic counselors are certified professionals, trained and educated at the master's degree level. We can help you understand scientific, medical, and genetic information relating to a personal and/or family history of cancer.

A specially trained genetic counselor is available to meet with you and answer questions about your hereditary cancer concerns. For more information, please call (208) 381-2734.