Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program

From left: Jamie Mushlin, MS, CGC; Terri W. McHugh, DO; Cristina Polinsky, MS, CGC; Rachael Brandt, MS, CGC .

At least 10 percent of cancer cases are caused by hereditary factors passed from one generation of a family to the next. A family history of cancer, particularly if the cancers are diagnosed at young ages or in several relatives, can be an indicator of an inherited risk.

Program Services

The Lankenau Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics program is designed to provide individualized cancer risk assessment services to individuals and families at increased risk of cancer due to family or personal history.

These services include:

• Overview of cancer risk factors, including genetics, lifestyle and environmental exposure
• Comprehensive, cancer-specific genetic evaluation, including pedigree analysis and risk calculation
• Discussion of customized risk reduction options and risk-appropriate screening recommendations, including opportunities for research
• Coordination of genetic testing, when appropriate, and interpretation of genetic test results
• Breast self-exam instruction
• Referral resources for follow-up and support

Who Can Participate

Evaluation at the Lankenau Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program is available to any person concerned about cancer risk. Individuals meet with a genetic counselor who specializes in cancer genetics and a registered nurse focused on cancer prevention, when indicated. A medical oncologist and outpatient oncology social worker are also part of the team.

Cancer Risk Checklist

Please review this list of questions to see if you might benefit from a consultation:

• Does cancer seem to run in your family?
• Have you or family members been diagnosed with cancer at a young age?
• Have you or people in your family had more than one cancer diagnosis?
• Do any of your relatives have a gene mutation (abnormal gene) that increases cancer risk?
• Are you concerned you might have an increased cancer risk?

If you answered yes to any of the above, or if you have questions about cancer risk and genetic testing, please contact the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program to schedule an appointment or to obtain more information about how these services may benefit you.

Contact Us

For more information on the Lankenau Medical Center Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program, or to schedule an appointment, please call 484-476-8150.

Types of Risk Assessments

• Breast Cancer Risk Assessment
• Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment
• Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment