Myriad MyRisk
HEREDITARY CANCER SCREENING
Does Cancer run in your Family?
Myriad MyRisk
HEREDITARY CANCER SCREENING
Does Cancer run in your Family?
What is Hereditary Cancer?
Some people have a higher risk of developing cancer.
All cancer is caused by harmful changes, known as mutations,in a person’s genes. Most mutations occur by chance and others are thought to be caused by lifestyle and environmental factors. Some mutations are passed down through our family and can cause what is called hereditary cancer.
Types of Cancer
Sporadic
Occurs by chance. People with sporadic cancer typically do not have relatives with the same type of cancer.
Familial
Likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with familial cancer may have one or more relatives with the same type of cancer; however, there does not appear to be a specific pattern of inheritance (e.g., the cancer risk is not clearly passed from parent to child).
Hereditary
Occurs when a gene mutation is passed down in the family from parent to child. People with hereditary cancer are more likely to have relatives with the same type or other types of cancer. They may develop more than one cancer and their cancer often occurs at an earlier than average age.
Am I at Risk?
Knowing your personal and family history of cancer is the first step in determining if you might be at increased risk for cancer.
• Know the history of cancer on Mom and Dad’s side of the family
• Know at least three generations of history (parents, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other close relatives)
• Know details such as type of cancer and age of diagnosis
• If you don’t know, take the time to find out!
If you can answer yes to any of the questions below, you could have an inherited risk for cancer and may be appropriate for hereditary cancer testing. Please discuss these red flags with your health care provider.
RED FLAGS FOR HEREDITARY CANCER
PERSONAL HISTORY OF:
• Breast cancer at any age
• Ovarian cancer at any age
• Metastatic prostate cancer at any age
• Pancreatic cancer at any age
• Colon, rectal or uterine/endometrial under 65
FAMILY HISTORY OF:
• Breast cancer under age 50
• Two breast cancers in one relative at any age
• Three or more breast cancers in relatives on the same side of the family at any age
• Ovarian, metastatic prostate, pancreatic cancer, or male breast cancer at any age
• Colon, rectal, or uterine/endometrial cancer diagnosed under age 50
• A gene mutation found in a family member
Both men and women can inherit and pass down genetic mutations. Men with a family history of cancer, including breast and ovarian, should consider genetic testing
What is Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer?
Hereditary Cancer testing is a genetic test that can help your healthcare provider determine if you are at increased risk for developing cancer due to a genetic mutation passed down through your family.
TESTING IS QUICK & EASY
If your healthcare provider recommends hereditary cancer testing it can be done right in your provider’s office. Your provider will collect a blood or saliva sample using a special kit which will be shipped to Myriad Genetic Laboratories for analysis. Test results will be delivered directly to your provider in approximately 2 weeks. Your provider will schedule an appointment to discuss your results.
WHY IS HEREDITARY CANCER TESTING IMPORTANT
If you have a family history of cancer, hereditary cancer testing is the only way to determine if you have hereditary, familial or general population risk. This information allows you and your provider to make informed healthcare decisions and develop plans to manage any increased cancer risk.
“Most people think about cancer as something you either remove or treat… I believe that cancer can be preventable.”
– Diana Hardesty: A previvor’s story
Diane’s family had a strong history of cancer. Over five generations, 11 family members had been diagnosed with a total of 22 cancers. Sadly, eight of those family members eventually lost their battle with cancer. Diane’s provider recognized the “red flags” in her family history and advised her to get hereditary cancer testing. Diane tested positive for a genetic mutation that significantly increases a person’s risk to develop colon, uterine, and other cancers. This knowledge allowed Diane and her provider to take control of her increased cancer risk through increased screening and preventative surgeries. Today Diane is a cancer “previvor,” which means despite her genetic mutation, she has not been diagnosed with cancer. This information has also impacted the lives of generations of her family. Since Diane and her family learned about their genetic mutation and the additional medical management options there have been no cancer deaths in their family.
Gene Table
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The Complete Women's Practice
Cova Ob/Gyn and Cova MedSpa offer the complete women's practice incorporating obstetric and gynecologic care with physician directed aesthetic services. We are the comprehensive center for your well being.
ob/gyn & medspa
8:30AM - 4PM Monday
8:30AM - 4PM Tuesday
8:30AM - 4PM Wednesday
8:30AM - 4PM Thursday
8:30AM - 2PM Friday
Dr. Jennifer L. Cova, D.O. FACOG
COVA ob/gyn
COVA medspa
896 South Main Street
Centerville, OH 45458
937.433.6513 ob/gyn
937.723.7459 medspa
937.291.3398 fax
The Complete Women's Practice
Cova Ob/Gyn and Cova MedSpa offer the complete women's practice incorporating obstetric and gynecologic care with physician directed aesthetic services. We are the comprehensive center for your well being.
ob/gyn & medspa
8:30AM - 5:30PM Monday
8:30AM - 4PM Tuesday
8:30AM - 4PM Wednesday
8:30AM - 4PM Thursday
8:30AM - 2PM Friday
Dr. Jennifer L. Cova, D.O. FACOG
COVA ob/gyn
COVA medspa
896 South Main Street
Centerville, OH 45458
937.433.6513 ob/gyn
937.723.7459 medspa
937.291.3398 fax
