Hereditary Cancer
Hereditary cancer and cancer genetics
All cancers are caused by changes to materials in our bodies called “genes.” ... When changes called “mutations” occur in the genes, certain cells can grow out of control and cause cancer. more...
Assessing your risk/genetic counseling
Although everyone is at risk for cancer during his or her lifetime, cancer risk is individual. Many factors affect a person’s risk, including gender, age, family history, history of hormone exposure, and others. Cancer risk assessment refers to the use of tools and statistics to determine an individual’s risk for cancer. more...
Family history
Cancer is one of many diseases that can have a hereditary component. If a disease runs in a family, there may be screening or risk-management recommendations for family members who are considered “high risk.” more...
Genetic testing
Genetic testing involves taking a sample of blood or tissue in order to learn more about a person’s genes. Genetic testing can be used to determine if someone has changes in their genes that make them more likely to be diagnosed with certain diseases such as cancer. Genetic tests that measure likelihood for a disease are called “predictive genetic tests.” more...
Support
Links to support resources on the FORCE website, support groups specific to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and other support sites with sections on hereditary cancer risk . more...