Genetic Testing

Cancer Centers of Florida offers genetic testing for individuals who may be at hereditary risk for certain types of cancers.  Genetic testing involves analyzing the DNA for a genetic alteration, or mutation, that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific type of cancer.  Genetic counseling is helpful in assessing an individual's hereditary risk factors to aid in determining if genetic testing is necessary or of value.  This involves a communication process between a specially-trained health professional and the person or family concerned about their genetic risk for cancer, and includes discussion of the person's and/or family's medical history.

Genetic testing for the following hereditary risk factors is available through Cancer Centers of Florida:

• Assessment of a woman's risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer.  Genetic testing is based on the detection of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
• Assessment of the hereditary risk of developing hereditary colorectal and endometrial cancer (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, or HNPCC).  This test is based on the detection of mutations in three genes, MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6.
• Assessment of the risk of hereditary colorectal polyps and cancer.  Testing involves the detection of mutations in the APC and MYH genes, which cause adenomatous polyposis syndromes which includes familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), attenuated FAP (AFAP), and MYH-associated polyposis (MAP).
• Assessment of the inherited susceptibility to melanoma and pancreatic cancer.  Testing is based on the detection of inherited mutations in the p16 gene.  These mutations occur in approximately 40% of families with hereditary melanoma.