Some people are at higher risk of developing certain types of cancer because they have inherited gene condition. Understanding your risk of developing cancer can be an important step in making decisions around cancer prevention or about getting regular screenings that can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.

VOA provides advanced medical and support services, including genetic counseling, for people diagnosed with cancer or who are at a higher risk of developing cancer. Through genetic counseling, we can help you learn about your inherited risk of developing cancers, such as breast, gastrointestinal, uterine/ovarian and others.

Although we cannot predict whether the person will actually develop cancer, there are tests available that can find various cancer-related genes in the human body. These tests can determine if a person has or does not have a disease-related gene condition, which may make him or her at higher risk of getting cancer before any symptoms appear.

Our genetic counselors are trained to help people as they consider testing. During the testing process, we help patients and their families adjust to the results and help them make decisions about prevention or treatment options.

There are several available strategies that reduce the risk of cancer and increase the chances for early detection. Genetic testing may be considered if a patient's personal and/or family history is consistent with a hereditary pattern of cancer.

The following characteristics are possible reasons to pursue genetic testing:

• Breast cancer in you or a family member (mother’s or father’s side) before age 50
• Male breast cancer at any age
• A family history of breast cancer in two or more first or second degree relatives
• Ovarian cancer in you or a family member (mother's or father's side) at any age
• Colorectal cancer in you or a family member (mother's or father's side) before age 50
• Endometrial cancer in you or a family member (mother's or father's side) before age 50
• Melanoma in you or a family member (mother's or father's side) at any age
• Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and a family history of cancer

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT OUR GENETIC COUNSELOR AT:

757-213-5674 (Southside)
757-873-9400 (Peninsula)

Cancer screening procedures can be valuable tools in identifying risk factors for developing cancer. Please check with your local cancer center to learn what services are available in your area.

Breast Self-Exams are an important way for women to find breast cancer early, when it has the highest chance of being cured. Not every cancer can be found this way. Mammography misses at least 10% of breast cancer, so women should perform a self-exam and report suspicious lumps to their doctors.

Mammograms are a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine a woman's breasts. A mammogram is used to aid in the diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

Ductal Lavage is a procedure that determines whether women at high risk for breast cancer have evidence of atypical cells that place them at even higher risk for developing breast cancer. Over 95 percent of breast cancer begins in the lining of the milk duct system. The ductal lavage procedure collects cells from inside the milk ducts where most breast cancers begin. The cells are then analyzed under a microscope to determine whether or not they are normal.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessments are computerized evaluations for all women. By completing a brief questionnaire about family, reproductive and breast biopsy history, and other factors, participants can receive a five-year and lifetime risk assessment for breast cancer. This questionnaire can be completed by phone or office appointment. Women who are at high-risk can discuss their prevention options with one of the clinical coordinators.

Colonoscopy allows a doctor to look inside the large intestine. The procedure is most often used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum.

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Testing is a method whereby the doctor measures the amount of a protein called PSA in the blood. PSA is produced by the cells of the prostate gland. Normally PSA levels are low in the blood. However, prostate cancer and other benign conditions can increase PSA levels. The results of a PSA test may indicate that further prostate testing is needed.

Testicular Self-exams: Although rare overall, testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men. It can be detected early with a high likelihood of cure by simple self exam. Any new masses or lumps should be brought to the attention of one’s primary care physician. Monthly self-exam is recommended for men who are at high risk for testicular cancer, such as those with a family history of testicular cancer or a history of an undescended testicle.

Screening for Breast, Colorectal, Prostate Cancer during physical exams is an effective way to check for possible signs of cancer. Since most people receive regular physical exams and check-ups, these are ideal opportunities for doctors to perform exams for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer.

Smoking cessation: There is no single more important step one can take to prevent cancer than to quit cigarette or other tobacco use. Tobacco use is associated with 15 different kinds of cancer and about 30% of all cancer deaths. Tobacco use also increases the risk for heart and chronic lung disease and for cancer in those who are regularly passively exposed to cigarette smoke. There are national programs readily available for advice and support. The easiest to access is the Quitline™ sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Vaccination with Anti-HPV Vaccine can help prevent cancer of the cervix caused by the Human Papilloma virus. This includes most cervix cancers and is applicable to women who are or may become sexually active.

You can learn more about cancer prevention and early detection by visiting the American Cancer Society website. Please note that the information available through this link is not provided by Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA), and VOA does not necessarily endorse this information. All information provided through this link is for your reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician before acting or relying upon such information.