Does Cancer Run In Your Family?

If you answer "YES" to any of the questions below, you may want additional information. To discuss your history or to schedule an appointment, please contact us.

• Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer prior to age 50?
• Have you been diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age?
• Have you been diagnosed with colon cancer prior to age 50?
• Have you been diagnosed with endometrial cancer prior to age 50?
• Have you been diagnosed with melanoma?
• Was your mother or sister diagnosed with breast cancer prior to age 50 or with ovarian cancer at any age?
• Do you (both sides of family) have cousins, aunts, uncles, or other close relatives with breast, ovarian, colon, or skin cancer?
• Are you of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry?

Facts about Hereditary Cancers

• 10% of all cancers are inherited.
• 7-10% of breast cancer is inherited.
• 10% of colon cancer is inherited.
• 84% of inherited breast and ovarian cancer is due to BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
• Breast cancer in a male is a high-risk factor.
• Age of onset of cancer is more significant than the number of individuals with cancer.
• 50% of cancer is inherited through a father.
• Recurrence risks and treatment options may vary depending on the results of a genetic test.

Most insurance plans cover a genetic counseling office visit. The cost of a genetic test is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the policy of the insurance company. All results of genetic tests are kept confidential, and employment and insurance discrimination based on these results is federally prohibited.

Contact the Kapi'olani Cancer Risk Assessment Program at (808) 983-6090 or toll-free at 866-495-7645 or via e-mail.

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