Familial Cancer Clinic

Inheriting certain genetic changes means you have a higher risk of getting cancer (an inherited predisposition to cancer). It does not mean you will get cancer. Hereditary cancers are cancers that can happen if you have inherited a predisposition that is being passed through the generations of your family. A genetic counsellor can give you information about the chance that the cancer in your family is hereditary. This is called a hereditary cancer risk assessment.

Genetic testing involves giving a blood sample that will be checked for a change in a gene that increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Not everyone is eligible for genetic testing. The Ontario Ministry of Health has some specific criteria to determine who is eligible for this testing.

• Read the brochure "Learn about genetic testing" for more information [PDF] »
• Watch a series of short videos about genetic testing for patients with cancer and their families »

Genetic counsellors are experts who can help you understand your risk of developing cancer. They can discuss your family history of cancer and review and explain the results of any genetic testing you may have had done.
You may wish to ask your doctor for a referral to our clinic if you or a family member (on your mother's or father's side) have had any of the following:

• Young age at diagnosis of cancer (for example, under 35 years old with breast cancer)
• Rare cancers (for example, male breast cancer, serous ovarian cancer, sarcoma)
• Multiple cancer primaries in one individual
• Multiple individuals in family with related cancer types (for example, breast and ovarian cancer)
• An inherited predisposition has been found in your family

As part of a genetic counselling session, you will have the opportunity to discuss:

• Your individual cancer risk
• The latest advances in cancer genetics
• Personalized cancer screening recommendations and referrals
• The risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing
• Options for participating in research studies

We understand that many factors should be considered when discussing your personal or family history of cancer, your options for genetic testing, and cancer screening and prevention. Our genetic counsellors tailor each consultation to fit your individual needs. ​

How long will your appointment be?

On the day of your telephone appointment, the genetic counsellor will call you. If you have a virtual appointment, join from somewhere that is private, where others cannot overhear you. Please have your health card near you for the call so that the genetic counsellor can confirm your personal health information. Your appointment may take up to 60 minutes.

We do our best to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. If possible, try to make sure your arrangements for things like babysitting, elder care and parking can accommodate a longer than usual appointment.​

What to Bring

Please bring to your appointment:

• Genetic testing results and consultation letters
  If you or a family member have had genetic testing or a genetic consultation before, bring the test results and consultation letters.
• Pathology reports
  If you have pathology reports about any cancer you or other family members have had, bring them with you. ( Pathologists write reports describing the cancer. These reports may include the size of the tumour, the appearance and behaviour of the cancer cells and any special characteristics of the cancer cells.)
• Questions to ask
  You may wish to bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you remember everything you want to ask.

When You Arrive

When you arrive, check in at the reception desk at the Gynecology clinic on the 5^th floor of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. You will need your OHIP card.

How Long Will Your Appointment Be?

First appointments can take up to 1 hour. After your visit to the clinic, you may also go to the Blood Collection Lab for blood tests.

We do our best to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays. For example, make sure your arrangements for things like babysitting, elder care and parking can accommodate a longer than usual appointment.

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