If you are considering genetic testing for cancer, our Cancer Prevention and Detection Program can help. Genetic testing and screening hold much promise in understanding your risk for developing cancer. This is particularly important for the five to 10 percent of patients whose cancer is due to abnormal genes. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 855-UMASS-MD.

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing

Genetic testing allows you to have your genes analyzed to learn whether they carry a genetic mutation that is associated with increased cancer risk. Below are common reasons why some people choose testing and counseling:

• You have several relatives with cancer
• You have relatives who developed cancer before age 50
• You have a family history of an unusual or rare form of cancer
• You are of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish descent 

Testing for Specific Cancers

Our Cancer Prevention and Detection Program helps you and your loved ones better understand how cancer may run in your family by linking specific genes with specific diseases, including:

• Breast cancer
• Endocrine cancer (thyroid, adrenal)
• Gastrointestinal cancer (esophagus, pancreas, bile ducts, liver, colon, rectum, anus and stomach/gastric cancer)
• Gynecologic cancer (reproductive system)
• Lung cancer

Services We Provide

• Education on how to reduce your risk of getting cancer 
• Development of a personal surveillance program
• Gene testing
• Access to behavioral health psychologists to assist with emotional well-being
• Ongoing mentoring
• Prophylactic surgery (surgery to remove an organ or gland)
• Education about current cancer treatments and research