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The Ministry
of Health and Long-Term Care is pleased to continue to support
services for patients who may have a predisposition to hereditary
breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers.
Most
breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers occur sporadically in
families and the cause is either unknown or associated with one or
more risk factors. In a minority of cases (5-10% overall), cancer
is associated with a strong hereditary factor, which greatly
increases the risk of developing a malignancy.
Individuals
considered to be at increased risk for an inherited cancer can be
referred to a Familial Cancer Genetics Clinic or Genetics Clinic.
Upon referral, services such as genetic counselling,
assessment, education and surveillance recommendations are
available to individuals and families. Referrals may be made both
for individuals with cancer and those without cancer.
Please
note that:
·
THE
FAMILY HISTORY WILL BE ASSESSED BY THE GENETICS CLINIC TO EVALUATE
WHETHER A GENETIC COUNSELLING APPOINTMENT
IS INDICATED.
·
GENETIC
TESTING MAY OR MAY NOT BE OFFERED IN THE COURSE OF A GENETICS
CONSULTATION.
One
or more of the risk factors listed below from an individual’s
personal or family history may suggest an increased risk for
hereditary cancer. A pertinent family history may be found either
on the maternal or paternal sides of the family, but should be on
the same side of the family. It is likely that this guide will be
modified, as new scientific information arising from advances in
the field of genetics becomes available. Referrals for other
hereditary cancer syndromes not addressed by this document may be
made to your local genetics centre.
A list of clinics is attached for reference to this
bulletin. |
