Download Take the next step to know if you are at increased risk for cancer

While 90 percent of cancer cases happen due to
lifestyle, environmental or aging factors, five to
10 percent of cancers are passed down from generation
to generation. If you or your family members have
been diagnosed with colon, breast, pancreatic, ovarian,
prostate or uterine cancer, you could be at increased
risk for developing these cancers.
How do I know if I am at increased risk?
Knowing your family’s ancestry and medical history
is the first step. The following questionnaire identifies
a few indicators that could increase your risk for colon,
breast, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate or uterine cancer.
Yes
No
Uncertain
Are you of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
with a personal or family history of
breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer?
Have you or a family member
been diagnosed with:
Breast cancer before the age of 50?
Triple negative breast cancer?
Interpreting the results
If you answered yes to any of these
questions, you could be at increased
risk for developing colon, breast,
ovarian, pancreatic, prostate or
uterine cancer. To know for sure,
further assessment is necessary.
Experts at the cancer genetics
program at Virtua can help guide
you through the process to identify
your risk. If you are uncertain about
your family’s medical history or have
concerns about other cancers, the
program staff can help.
Breast cancer in both breasts?
Male breast cancer?
Breast cancer in two generations?
Breast, ovarian, prostate or
pancreatic cancer?
Colon, rectal or uterine cancer before
the age of 60?
Colon and uterine cancer?
Two or more colon or rectal cancers?
Ovarian cancer at any age?
10 or more colon polyps?
CANCER PROGRAM
www.virtua.org • 1-888-VIRTUA-3
Take the next step to know if you are at increased risk
for cancer. Call 1-888-Virtua-3 today to make an
appointment and start your personal assessment.
Cancer Genetics Program
at Virtua
By making an appointment and completing your
personal cancer risk assessment with the cancer
genetics program at Virtua, you will be empowered
to make informed health decisions for yourself and
your family. Cancer genetics experts will guide you
through the process to determine your risk, make
decisions about testing, and plan your next steps to
Genetic testing
If you decide that genetic testing is right for you, your
cancer risk counselor will discuss your eligibility.
Breast and ovarian cancer
Genetic tests are available for hereditary breast cancer.
Among them are the most common hereditary breast
cancer syndromes involving the BRCA1 and BRCA2
genes. When genetic testing is completed and an
alteration is found in one of the identified genes, an
decrease your risk for cancer or increase screening
individual’s risk for developing certain types of cancer
to detect cancer early.
is significantly increased. In addition, men and women
As a participant, you will:
who have already been diagnosed with cancer, may
• Receive individualized and comprehensive
counseling from cancer genetics experts
including medical oncologists trained in cancer
genetics, licensed genetic counselors, advanced
practice nurses and social workers
have an increased risk for developing a second cancer.
Colorectal cancer
Genetic tests are available for hereditary colon
cancer. Common hereditary cancer syndromes include
Lynch Syndrome and FAP. Lynch Syndrome (or HNPCC)
• Discover if you have an increased risk for cancer
is an inherited condition that increases your chances
• Learn about the benefits, risks and limitations
of genetic testing
for colon, uterine and other cancers. FAP (familial
• Undergo genetic testing, if appropriate
• Learn what you can do to decrease your risk for
developing cancer (screening, medical, surgical)
• Receive information regarding clinical trials,
if eligible
CANCER PROGRAM
www.virtua.org • 1-888-VIRTUA-3
adenomatous polyposis) is an inherited condition that
causes an individual to have hundreds of colon polyps
and significantly increases the risk for colon cancer.
Testing is also available for other gastrointestinal
hereditary cancer syndromes.
Schedule an appointment
with a cancer genetics expert today.
Call 1-888-Virtua-3.
09-01728