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Our mission is to aid cancer patients and their
families in screening and detection, therapeutic decisions,
and counseling for inherited malignancies. The inherited
cancers include breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer,
endometrial cancer, and melanoma.
The majority of cancers are not inherited
(hereditary). However, up to 10% of cancers are hereditary.
The goal of our program is to provide individuals with an
accurate assessment of their cancer risk. In addition, we
offer an individualized plan for follow-up care. The choice
to proceed with actual genetic testing is yours.
Cancer
Services of Erie County is a United
Way Partner Agency committed to serving cancer patients.
They provide direct assistance to anyone living with cancer
in Erie County and parts of Huron County.
Established by local residents as an independent
agency in 1960, Cancer services continues to be governed
by local residents. It has no affiliation with the American
Cancer Society. All cancer patients in Erie County and Vermilion
are encouraged to apply for assistance.
The BRAC Mutation Carrier
Support Group started
in December of 2004. This support group is for women who
have tested positive for a BRCA 1 or 2 mutation. Our meetings
include educational programs, a support network, and a lot
of fun!
Additional resources and support groups can
be found on our Patient Information page.
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The Uveges Cancer Genetics Program
was initiated in May of 2001. Our program was named in memory of
our first BRAC mutation carrier, Cathy Uveges. Since our inception,
we have counseled more than 150 patients and proceeded with testing
for over 80 patients.
Counseling and Testing
After obtaining a detailed family
history, an individual assessment of the likelihood of carrying
a genetic mutation is estimated. Based on this assessment, an appropriate
recommendation is made for gene testing. The initial counseling visit includes
education on general genetic principles and an overview of the
specific gene in question. Benefits and limitations of genetic
testing are discussed, including possible test results and medical
management options.
If the patient agrees to proceed with
genetic testing, an informed consent is signed and blood is drawn
in our office. Test results are available in 4-5 weeks. Following
the testing process, results are given in person in our office.
Counseling focuses on individualized medical management including
psychosocial aspects.
We coordinate referrals with other
specialists or community resources. In addition, we will assist
family members with counseling at our facility or other facilities
across the country.
Genetic Tests
BRACanalysis is a genetic
test to detect a gene mutation that may significantly increase
the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Over 200,000 cases of breast
cancer are diagnosed each year, and about 25,000 women are diagnosed
with ovarian cancer annually. Most of these cases are not inherited
(hereditary). However, about 10% of breast and ovarian cancers are
hereditary.
The following include risks for hereditary
breast and ovarian cancers:
- Young age at breast or ovarian cancer onset (before age 50)
- Family history of breast and ovarian cancer among first-degree
relatives (parent, sibling, child)
- Personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Personal history of bilateral breast cancer
- Male breast cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
Colaris is a genetic test to detect a gene mutation
that may significantly increase the risk of developing colon or
endometrial (uterus) cancers. More than 100,000 cases of colorectal
cancer are diagnosed each year. 5 to 10% of those cases are due
to an hereditary gene mutation.
Risks for hereditary colon cancer include the following:
- Two first-degree relatives (parent, brother, sister, child)
with colon or endometrial (uterus) cancer
- Personal or family history of two colorectal cancers or colorectal
cancer and endometrial (uterus) cancer in the same person
- Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or endometrial
cancer before the age of 50
Melaris is a genetic test to detect a gene mutation
that may significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma.
Melanoma is a skin cancer that can be curable if found early. Over
50,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year, and that number
is on the rise.
The following conditions are risks for hereditary melanoma:
- Two or more melanomas in an individual or family
- Melanoma and pancreatic cancer in an individual or family
Confidentiality
Test results are strictly confidential and any release of information
would need preauthorization from the patient.
Insurance
Most insurances cover genetic testing. We will predetermine your
insurance coverage for genetic testing.
Referrals
We accept patients on a referral basis. If you have a strong family
history of cancer, talk with your primary care physician about
a referral for a cancer risk assessment. |
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