News release: Colorado - Denver/Boulder

November 27, 2002

For more information, call:
Steve Krizman
Kaiser Permanente
Phone: (303) 344-7932
E-mail: Steve.A.Krizman@kp.org

Gene testing for hereditary cancers

Denver, CO – A marketing campaign launched by Myriad Genetics in Denver urges women to talk with their doctors about gene testing for hereditary forms of cancer. The television and print ads will likely generate questions concerning the genetic testing of women for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It's important to remember that the majority of cancer is not hereditary and most cancers occur later in life. Some cancers appear in people under the age of 50. These cancers may be inherited, but these cases generally occur in patients where more than one family member has developed the disease. The good news is many cancers, if detected early, can be successfully treated.

The following are answers to commonly asked questions.

How common are hereditary forms of cancer?

Hereditary forms of breast and ovarian cancer are extremely rare. These cancers can result from genetic changes inherited from either your mother or father. If either parent has the gene, you have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the gene; but this also means you have a 50/50 chance of not inheriting the gene.
Inheriting the gene does not mean you will develop cancer. Inheritance simply means you stand a greater chance of developing cancer—perhaps up to a 60 percent greater chance. Inherited cancers usually occur at an earlier age than when most other cancers occur.
A parent may pass on the gene without developing cancer themselves.
Approximately 10 percent of all breast and ovarian cancer is hereditary.

What type of tests are performed to determine hereditary cancer risk?

The test for hereditary forms of cancer is a simple blood test.
The decision to test is not easy due to the risks and benefits associated with the results. The risks of testing include having the information used against you and the impact the information can have on your family. The benefits of testing include that if the test is negative, you learn you do not face the risk of inherited cancers. If the test is positive, you can better your future health through medical or surgical options to reduce your cancer risk.
Determining risk for hereditary cancer requires an evaluation of the patient's family history of both the mother and father.
Kaiser Permanente will pay for the genetic testing if the member's family history meets coverage criteria. Co-pays will apply. A provider must make the referral for a cancer genetic counseling session. An actual appointment may not be necessary to initiate this referral. Counseling takes about an hour and is held at the University of Colorado's Hereditary Cancer Clinic. Family members are encouraged to attend. A cancer genetic counselor and oncologist are present. Family history is reviewed and risk is determined. Wait times for a visit will vary.
Results of the blood work are shared in person at a second appointment.

Hereditary risk check list

If one or more of the following situations applies to you or your immediate family, you may want to call for a referral to the Hereditary Cancer Clinic.

Many relatives have had cancer.
Two or more relatives have had the same type of cancer.
You and a relative have had the same type of cancer.
You, or a relative, were diagnosed with cancer before age 50.
You, or a relative, have had more than one type of cancer.
You, or a relative, have had a rare or unusual cancer.