Knowledge is power. That’s why the Department of Genetics at City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta offers cancer genetic education, genetic counseling and genetic testing – a multidimensional approach that empowers patients with concerns or questions about family history of cancer, or inherited predispositions, which may contribute to a higher risk of cancer.
Our genetic experts view key findings within the bigger picture of family history, personal health, lifestyle and environmental factors to develop a plan that is right for you, including disease-specific screenings and prevention strategies.
Cancer Genetic Testing
The links between genes and cancer are complex. Cancer begins when cells in the body become abnormal and grow uncontrollably because of certain changes, or mutations, in a cell’s genes.
Cancer is most often triggered by acquired gene mutations, which develop at some point during a person’s life for various reasons, including environmental or lifestyle factors that damage a cell’s DNA.
Other gene mutations are inherited, or passed down from one or both parents, and exist in every cell of body.
Currently, many genetic tests are in use, and more are in development. These tests look for specific inherited changes in a person’s genes that may increase the risk of cancer. Although some types of cancer run in certain families, most cancers are not clearly linked to the genes inherited from prior generations. In fact, just 5-10% of all cancers are caused by inherited mutations.
A key point to remember: People who inherit a gene mutation don’t inherit cancer but inherit an increased risk for developing cancer.
Who Should Consider Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Risk?
The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals with any of the following consider talking to a genetic counselor about genetic testing:
- Several first-degree relatives (mother, father, sisters, brothers, children) with cancer
- Many relatives on one side of the family who have had the same type of cancer
- A cluster of cancers in the family that are known to be linked to a single gene mutation (such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer, which are sometimes linked to BRCA gene mutations)
- A family member with more than one type of cancer
- Family members who had cancer at a younger age than normal for that type of cancer
- Close relatives with cancers that are linked to rare hereditary cancer syndromes
- A rare cancer in the individual or a family member (such as male breast cancer)
- A particular race or ethnicity (such as Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, which is linked to a higher risk of BRCA gene mutations)
- A physical finding that’s linked to an inherited cancer (such as having many colon polyps)
- A known genetic mutation in one or more family members who have already had genetic testing
- Lab tests of cancer cells that show features that might be linked to an inherited gene mutation
- Cancer in both organs in a set of paired organs (such as both kidneys or both breasts)
What Makes Our Atlanta Genetic Testing Options Unique?
Our genetics program offers three key service lines: education, counseling and testing.
Assessment: During an initial evaluation, patients learn the basics about genes and hereditary cancer risk, then complete a family history questionnaire, which includes questions regarding their personal and family history of cancer. This information helps guide decisions about genetic testing eligibility.
Access to specialized experts: Patients have counseling sessions with our genetic experts, before and after genetic testing, to help them understand their genetic risk factors, address questions and concerns and recommend next steps, such as additional diagnostics or disease-specific screenings.
Actionable results: Genetic testing requires a small sample of bodily fluid or tissue, typically blood or saliva. Once the results are available, patients will meet with a genetic counselor to discuss findings and recommendations to help them make informed decisions about how to manage future cancer risks. Test results can also be valuable to family members.
Supportive care: At City of Hope Atlanta, we understand supportive care may be especially important to patients navigating genetic testing decisions and outcomes. Results present psychological benefits and risks, whether someone tests positive or negative for a gene mutation. Our Department of Genetics collaborates with behavioral health, nutritional support providers and other teams to ensure patients get the care they need, when they need it.
Our Atlanta Genetic Testing Experts
For patients who decide to pursue genetic testing at City of Hope Atlanta, experts skilled in genetic testing and counseling partner with them on a personalized cancer risk and prevention roadmap that puts them in the driver’s seat when it comes to their health.
Make an Appointment with Our Georgia Genetic Testing Team
When it comes to cancer risk, our team is here to give you the answers and action plan you deserve. We’re available 24/7 to help handle the details, from insurance verification and medical records collection to appointment scheduling and arrangements for travel and lodging. Call us at (877) 524-4673 to make an appointment.
City of Hope Atlanta is conveniently located in historic Newnan, Georgia, just 30 minutes southwest of Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and a short drive from the metro Atlanta area.
City of Hope Atlanta
Genetics Department
600 Celebrate Life Pkwy.
Newnan, GA 30265
New patients: (877) 524-4673
Existing Patients: (770) 830-2822
