• Hereditary cancer is caused by a change (known as a mutation) in a cancer related gene that is passed down from generation to generation through a family.
• Hereditary cancer is associated with a significantly increased risk to develop certain types of cancer.
• Some cancers may be related in a hereditary pattern (eg. breast/ovary, colon/endometrial).

Click here to view the family history fact sheet.

• Age (our risk increases as we age);
• Lifestyle (certain lifestyle habits can increase our risk; high fat/low fibre diet, smoking/use of tobacco products, excessive alcohol, exposing skin to the sun’s rays without protection, being inactive or overweight);
• Environment (we may be exposed to harmful substances in our living and working environments, many of which are unknown to us); and 
• Chance (many cancers happen for unknown reasons, or chance)

• Review of your personal and family history of cancer;
• Assessment and explanation of your personal risk for hereditary cancer;
• Provision of cancer screening recommendations;
• Discussion of whether you or your family are eligible for genetic testing
• Discussion of the risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing; and
• Interpretation of results.

• Multiple family members with the same or related cancers on one side of the family (especially breast/ovarian or colon/uterine{endometrial}/other abdominal cancer);
• Multiple generations affected by cancer on one side of the family;
• Cancer at a young age, e.g. breast or colon cancer diagnosed before age 35;
• Invasive serous ovarian cancer (a specific type of ovarian cancer);
• Breast or ovarian cancer and are of Jewish descent;
• A family member who has had cancer more than once (a new primary cancer);
• A family member with multiple colon polyps (more than 10) or "polyposis";
• Rare cancers, such as male breast cancer; and
• A family known to have a mutation in a gene causing hereditary cancer.

• Genetic testing for hereditary cancer is the analysis of a blood or tissue sample to determine if there is a genetic cause for cancer in a family.
• Some families who are considered high risk for hereditary cancer will be offered genetic testing.
• Genetic testing is NOT offered to everyone who receives genetic counselling.
• How much does genetic counselling/testing cost?
• Genetic counselling appointments are covered by OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan).
• Genetic testing is also covered by OHIP, but is only available under very specific defined conditions. Your genetic counsellor will tell you if there is a genetic test that you are eligible for.

• No. Cancer (or other health problems) on your father’s side or mother’s side are equally important. We inherit our genes from both parents equally, whether we are male or female. We also often share many of the same lifestyle habits and environment with both sides of the family. When you review your family history with your doctor, you should remember to mention health problems on both sides of your family.

How can I be referred for cancer genetic counselling/how do I make a referral for cancer genetic counselling?

• For health care providers click here.
• Certain referrals for rare inherited cancer syndromes may be redirected to one of the larger provincial genetics programs.
• If you do not have a family doctor or other primary health care provider, you may contact the genetics clinic at 519-749-4370 ext. 2832 to discuss your family history and determine if a cancer genetic counselling appointment is right for you.
• If you have questions about the appropriateness of a referral please contact the genetics clinic at 519-749-4370 ext. 2832.