Cancer Genetics Clinic

News: Breast cancer fund raiser taking place in April, 2003.

Do you worry that the cancer in your family may be genetic? Have you heard about tests for inherited cancers, but you wonder if such tests will be helpful to you or your family? Do you have relatives with cancer and wonder when you should begin screening for cancer and what types of screening are available? The UW Medicine Cancer Genetics Clinic can help you and your family with these and other questions.

The Cancer Genetics Clinic in the Division of Medical Genetics at the University of Washington Medical Center has been a leading provider of genetic services for the state of Washington for more than 40 years. In 2002, more than 400 individuals and their families discussed their concerns regarding the inheritance of breast, ovarian and other cancers with UW Medicine genetic specialists.

A team of board certified genetic counselors, medical geneticists (physicians with specific training in inherited disease), and internal medicine physicians review a client’s personal and family medical history to assess both the likelihood that the cancer in the family is inherited, as well as an estimate of that person’s lifetime chance of developing cancer.

There are many causes of cancer, and several genetic testing options are available. The pros and cons of genetic testing are reviewed to help a person make an informed choice about testing. Concerns about possible insurance discrimination are addressed. Plans for reviewing the test results and passing this information to other relatives are reviewed. After an individualized risk assessment, recommendations are made for cancer screening and risk reduction. As appropriate, referrals are made to research programs including the laboratory of world renowned UW genetic researcher, Dr. Mary-Claire King. Referrals for psychological support services and other medical specialists are also made.

Our goals are to:

Determine the likelihood that the cancers in a family are inherited

To discuss options for early identification of cancer and risk reduction based on family history

To provide information about the pros and cons of genetic testing

To coordinate genetic testing and to provide accurate result interpretation

To make referrals to appropriate research studies

To provide information about relevant regional and national patient advocacy organizations.

Individuals who may want to be seen in this clinic include a person with a personal or family history of:

Multiple relatives on the same side of the family with the same cancer or a cluster of cancers (for example breast and ovarian cancer; pancreatic cancer and melanoma; thyroid and breast cancer; colon, uterine and ovarian cancer; breast cancer and sarcoma)

Cancer that occurs at an unusually young age (colon cancer below age 50; breast cancer below age 50)

More than one primary cancer

Rare cancers (male breast cancer, lung cancer in a non-smoker)

A known cancer predisposition gene

DNA banking is a service provided through this clinic. This involves saving DNA (genetic material) from a blood sample for future use by other relatives. These samples are not used for research purposes.

Many insurance companies cover the cost of genetic counseling and genetic testing.

The Cancer Genetics Clinic staff also sponsor a Genetic Resource Line for health professionals who have questions about inherited cancer and other genetic disorders.

The Cancer Genetic Clinic staff offers educational lectures and programs to medical and lay groups.

Referrals:

For more information or to schedule an appointment call 206-616-2135.

Physician or self-referrals are appropriate, however, many insurance companies require a physician referral as a condition of payment. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 206-616-2135.

UW Cancer Genetics Clinic Staff:

Program Coordinator: Debbie Olson

Genetic Counselors:     Robin L. Bennett, MS, CGC, Clinic Manager

                                Mercy Laurino, MS, CGC

                                Corrie Smith, MS, CGC

Medical Geneticists:      Wylie Burke, MD, PhD

                                 Robert Hershberg, MD

                                 Marshall Horwitz, MD, PhD

                                 Gail Jarvik, MD, PhD

                                 Wendy Raskind, MD, PhD

If you would like to make a gift in support of the UW Medicine Cancer Genetics Clinic, please visit www.depts.washington.edu/medgen/ or call (206) 543-5686.

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