Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancers Cancer Genetics Service for Wales

Genetics in the Media

ASCO The DNA Double Helix Adenine (A) Thymine (T) Cytosine (C) Guanine (G) Bases Sugar phosphate backbone Base pair

There are two types of genetic changes or mutations:  those that are passed down from generation to generation (germ line mutations)  those that happen during the lifetime of a person and are not passed on to the next generation (somatic mutations).

Cancers that can be inherited: Breast Ovarian Colorectal Other cancers:  Single gene cancer syndromes (e.g. von Hippel- Lindau disease, retinoblastoma)  Rare cancer syndromes (e.g. Li Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome) where a variety of different cancers occur in the same family.

What other factors influence cancer? EnvironmentDietExercise Sun protectionSafe sex Availability of healthcare services (e.g. screening) Only a minority (5-10%) of cancers are caused by a genetic mutation.

ASCO BRCA1-Associated Cancers: Lifetime Risk Possible increased risk of other cancers (e.g. prostate, colon) Breast cancer 50%  85% (often early age at onset) Second primary breast cancer 40%  60% Ovarian cancer 15%  45%

Decision Aids Green M, Fost N, Becker J, Biesecker B, Laxova R, Cambone P, Newcomb P, and Newcomb P, Breast Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing (CD ROM). 1997, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation: Wisconsin. GREEN: Breast Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing Decision Aids

Bromberg J, Schneider KA, Patenaude A, Simmons J, and Corsini E, Predisposition risk education and Information about cancer testing PREDICT (CD ROM). 2003, inflexxion: Newton, MA. PREDICT

Some common questions How is cancer inherited? Can inherited cancers skip a generation? If I look like my parent with cancer, does this make it more likely that I will get cancer too? What does a genetic test actually involve? I want a genetic test but have been told I cannot have one. What options do I have?