Genetic Testing and Counseling Program

Family Cancer Risk Assessment Program

The Family Cancer Risk Assessment Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital offers comprehensive cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling for patients and their families.

The NYPBMH genetic team evaluates personal and family medical histories. After the review, the counselor explains the risks that the patient and other family members may have for certain types of cancer and will present options for genetic testing, cancer prevention, and early cancer detection.

Genetic Testing for Cancer

Genetic testing involves taking a blood sample and examining a person's DNA. This determines whether there is an altered gene that predisposes an individual to developing certain types of cancer. The decision to pursue genetic testing is a personal one and may not be useful for everyone receiving a cancer risk assessment.

The Family Cancer Risk Assessment Program is helpful to men and women with a personal or family history (on the mother's or father's side) of:

• A cancer diagnosis before age 50, such as breast, ovarian, uterine, or colon cancer.
• An ovarian cancer diagnosis at any age.
• A breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis in an individual of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
• More than 10 colon polyps.
• Several relatives who were diagnosed with colon cancer.
• Several relatives who were diagnosed with cancer.
• More than one cancer diagnosis in the same individual, or multiple primary cancers.
• A rare or unusual cancer diagnosis.
• A known cancer gene mutation or syndrome in the family.

Insurers generally cover all or part of these services. Because each insurance company is different, we recommend that you check directly with your insurer. If you need help with insurance reimbursement, the Family Cancer Risk Assessment Program will assist you.

Cancer Prevention and Screening

Some causes of cancer, notably those involving lifestyle choices, such as smoking and diet, are avoidable. Many cancers discovered at an early stage are successfully treated. To spread information about cancer prevention and early discovery, members of the NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital cancer education team lead community education programs. Brochures on various cancer-related topics are available from the Center on request.