Family cancer clinics provide a service for people with a family history of cancer and their health professionals. The service is offered to any family members, whether or not they have been diagnosed with cancer. After assessing detailed information about a family history of cancer, these clinics provide genetic counselling including:
- information about a person’s risk of developing cancer based on the family history
- advice about possible strategies that might help reduce the risk of cancer
- information about early detection of cancer
- an estimate of the likelihood of carrying an inherited mutation in a cancer predisposing gene
- if appropriate, the offer of genetic testing for the family
Genetic testing for ovarian cancer risk
It’s possible to detect mutations in genes that are known to increase the risk of ovarian cancer. However, this is not appropriate for all families with a family history of the disease.The genes most commonly tested in relation to ovarian cancer risk are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Testing may take some months.
Genetic testing is offered only through a family cancer clinic. If you are referred to a family cancer clinic, the availability, limitations, potential benefits, and possible consequences of genetic testing will be discussed with you.