Cancer is a genetic disease caused by changes in our genes that control the way cells grow and multiply. Cells are the basic building blocks of our body, and each cell holds a copy of our genes. Genes act like an instruction manual for our body. During cell division, if your body substitutes, removes, or adds parts to your manual, this could cause genetic changes called variants or mutations. These genetic changes can cause cancer to form, grow and spread.
Cancer-related genetic changes can occur in three ways:
The first two genetic changes, random errors, and carcinogens in our environment can happen at any time throughout our life. Usually, these changes are not harmful. However, an accumulation of genetic changes over many years can turn healthy cells into cancerous cells. Ninety percent of cancers occur by chance because of these genetic changes over time.
The third type of genetic change is an inherited mutation from one of our parents and can be passed down from one generation to the next. Inheriting a genetic change does not mean one will develop cancer. It does, however, place you at a higher risk for developing specific cancer(s). Therefore, cancer sometimes appears to ‘run in families.’ It is believed that 5 to 10% of all cancers are caused by an inherited genetic change. Families who carry an inherited gene change associated with increased cancer risk are said to have a hereditary cancer syndrome.
Families with a hereditary cancer syndrome typically have certain characteristics which include, but are not limited to:
In order to provide the best possible outcomes, it’s ideal to identify those families who have a hereditary cancer syndrome. This is because cancer specialists will manage them differently due to an increased risk of certain cancers. The only way to know if a person has a genetic change associated with increased cancer risk is for that individual to undergo genetic testing. It is strongly recommended an individual have genetic counseling prior to genetic testing, as there are advantages and disadvantages to genetic testing. During the genetic counseling visit, a detailed personal and family history of cancer will be obtained, and recommendations for testing will be made.
Genetic testing can be performed on blood and saliva. Results are typically available 2-3 weeks after the specimen is submitted to the lab.
Most insurances help pay for genetic testing when an individual meets recommended national guidelines. Fortunately, genetic testing is much more affordable today than it was 10 to 20 years ago. All of this is discussed in detail during a genetic counseling session. If you would like to discuss your personal and family history of cancer, talk with your provider and obtain a referral/consult for genetic counseling.
Take an Online Assessment
If you or a family member on either side of your family has had cancer, please take our online questionnaire and consult with the VOA Genetic Counselors.
At Virginia Oncology Associates, we have a genetic counseling team consisting of genetic counselors, physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. We are all very passionate about educating people about their genetic risk and offering genetic testing when appropriate.
We currently provide in-person genetic counseling services in our Chesapeake, Elizabeth City, Virginia Beach, Brock (Norfolk), Port Warwick (Newport News), Obici (Suffolk), and Williamsburg offices and virtual counseling in our Hampton and Harbour View (Suffolk) offices.
On this episode of Cancer Care Connections, Tifany Lewis discusses the valuable role genetic counselors play in the genetic testing process. Learn how genetic testing in the oncology setting provides personalized testing based on medical and family history vs the one-size-fits-all approach you get with the direct-to-consumer tests ordered online.