Approximately 5-10% of all cancers are hereditary. An additional 10-30% of individuals may be at increased risk because they have close family members who also had cancer, suggesting a familial link, even though no specific hereditary link was found.
There are many types of familial cancers. For example, in certain families, women have a higher propensity to develop breast and/or ovarian cancer. This is known as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (HBOC), which is often caused by an inherited mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene (BRCA1/2). Harmful variants in BRCA1/2 may lead to an increased chance of developing other cancers as well, such as a fallopian tube, peritoneal, melanoma, pancreas, and/or prostate cancer.
More than 2,600 harmful mutations have been found in BRCA1/2.
Analysis of hereditary cancer genes involves a step-by-step look through the DNA of each gene for changes, known as mutations. Our panel looks at the 47 more common genes associated with increased risk of developing hereditary breast, ovarian, uterine, colorectal, gastric, prostate, melanoma, and pancreatic cancers. Genetic testing is most commonly performed on blood but can also be performed on saliva, tissue, or banked DNA.
Who Should Consider Testing?
It is estimated that 1/2 of men and 1/3 of women will develop cancer in their lifetime. 5-10% of cancers are hereditary, which means we can tell you more about your risks ahead of time.
Genetic testing may be appropriate if you or a close family member has:
- Breast, colorectal, or uterine cancer diagnosed before age 50
- More than one type of cancer
- Cancer in both of a set of paired organs (for example, both kidneys or both breasts)
- Certain types of cancer including ovarian, pancreatic, metastatic prostate, intraductal prostate, medullary thyroid, triple-negative breast or male breast cancer)
- 10+ gastrointestinal polyps
- Breast or high-grade prostate cancer (Gleason score >7)
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
LifeLabs Genetics offers the following more targeted panels, each including pre- and post-test genetic counseling:
- BRCA1, BRCA2 panel
- Breast Cancer panel
- Breast and Gynecologic Cancer panel
- Colorectal Cancer panel
- 47 Gene Panel
TIMING:
- Once the sample is received at LifeLabs Genetics, the team will schedule a pre-test genetic counseling session for the patient and, optionally, the ordering physician
- Sample analysis by LifeLabs Genetics’ laboratory partner, Invitae, takes 4–6 weeks
- The patient is strongly encouraged to attend a post-test genetic counseling session
- Timing estimates do not include the time required for healthcare provider appointments, requisitions, consent signatures, sample collection, or courier/shipping times
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