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Over the past decade, scientists have discovered specific inherited factors, or genes, that can contribute to the development of some forms of breast, ovarian, colorectal, and other types of cancer. The Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers hereditary cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing by specially trained genetic counselors and physicians to people who are concerned about their personal and/or family history of cancer. This information may be helpful when making medical decisions about how to manage your risk for cancer.

Here you will find an overview of hereditary cancer and genetic counseling and testing information; questions and answers about hereditary cancers, including breast/ovarian, colon, and prostate; recent research findings; information about Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Clinical Genetics Service and its staff; as well as an update on federal legislation against genetic discrimination.

  • Overview
    An introduction to hereditary cancer, genetic counseling, and genetic testing.
  • Breast/Ovarian Cancer: BRCA1 & BRCA2
    It has been estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of all female breast and ovarian cancer cases are hereditary.
  • Colon Cancer & Heredity
    Though most cases occur sporadically, it is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of all colorectal cancers are explained by a specific genetic susceptibility. A person who is diagnosed with colorectal cancer and who has a family history of the disease is more likely to have inherited a cancer gene than a person with no family history of colorectal cancer.
  • Prostate Cancer & Heredity
    Recent studies have concluded that a susceptibility to prostate cancer can be inherited. It estimated that 5 to 10 percent of all prostate cancer cases are considered hereditary. This means that in some families, a genetic predisposition to develop prostate cancer can be passed down from parent to child.
  • Clinical Research Updates
    Recent research and clinical findings include new genetic tests available for hereditary colon cancer; new recommendations for breast cancer screening for women with BRCA mutations; and research updates in the genetics of breast, ovarian, colon cancers, and lymphomas.
  • Genetic Discrimination Legislation Information
    In 2008, Congress passed into law a bill making genetic discrimination illegal. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, also referred to as GINA, is a federal law that protects Americans from being treated unfairly because of differences in their DNA that may affect their health. The new law prevents discrimination from health insurers and employers.
  • Clinical Genetics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering
    The Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center offers hereditary cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing by specially trained genetic counselors and physicians to people who are concerned about their personal and/or family history of cancer. This information may be helpful in making medical decisions about how to manage your risk for cancer.
  • Our Clinical Trials
    Here you can find a continually updated listing of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's current clinical trials focusing on the study of hereditary cancers.

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Last Updated: Jan. 5, 2009
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