Cancer Genetics Program

All cancer is genetic. That is, cancer occurs as a result of changes in genes that control cell growth. Gene changes are inherited in approximately 5-10 percent of families with a history of cancer. While not everyone who inherits a gene change will develop cancer, those who carry the gene change are at higher risk.

The Cancer Genetics Program at Advocate Christ Medical Center offers genetic counseling and testing for individuals whose family history includes one or more of the following characteristics of genetic cancer:

• cancer diagnosed at an early age
• multiple blood relative with cancer
• bilateral cancer (i.e. both breasts or ovaries, etc.)
• more than one type of cancer in the same individual

Cancer Risk Counseling
Genetic cancer risk counseling assesses an individual's risk of developing cancer based on a review of the individual's family and medical history. Cancer risk counseling services include:

• a review of the role of genetics in cancer
• a personal cancer risk assessment
• discussion of available genetic testing if appropriate
• referral to other specialists if appropriate

Genetic Testing
Using only a small sample of blood, genetic testing reveals whether an individual is a carrier of a gene change. Our Cancer Genetics Program professionals provide genetic counseling to help individuals make choices that are right for them. Test results are kept confidential and are not released without written consent.

For more information about the Cancer Genetics program at Christ Medical Center, or to schedule an appointment, call (708) 346-4395.

Click here to learn more about the uses of genetic testing. (Link to Greystone article "Uses of Genetic Testing".)