Courtesy of Roswell Park Cancer Talk Blog

“When we think about genes, we assume that if you have a predisposition for something, then you will develop that condition. But it’s not an all-or-nothing thing,” says Kenan Onel, MD, PhD, Chief of Clinical Genomics and Director of the Center for Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
 

Understanding Family History and Risk.

Genetic testing can help patients gain a full understanding of their genetic makeup, including the mutations they carry and how these mutations may affect their future cancer risk. If there is a family history of certain cancers linked to genetic mutations—such as breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, colon, and endometrial cancers—being aware of that increased risk may require more careful monitoring. Guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and other medical organizations suggest that anyone diagnosed with these cancers, or their immediate family members, should consider genetic testing.  

“People might not talk about their family history, so they might not know their risk,” Dr. Onel says. “A positive family history, where there is a history of cancer, is certainly helpful, but a negative family history is less useful because there are many reasons that family histories can appear negative, but are not.” An example would be if someone’s relative had cancer but didn’t tell anyone, or if the cancer was not diagnosed until after they died. 

 Why does knowing matter?  

If understanding your family history and genetic risk can’t guarantee that someone will develop cancer, then why is it important to know? People with a genetic mutation that increases their cancer risk can benefit from targeted monitoring and screening methods designed to lower or even eliminate that increased risk. Genetic screening also allows individuals to provide a more complete health history to their doctors, who might order different tests if symptoms suggest cancer. 

How Roswell Park Can Help.

Since joining Roswell Park in early 2024, Dr. Onel has established a new Department of Clinical Genomics to provide genetic testing and follow-up care for people and families at increased risk of cancer due to their genetics or family history. He explains, “We offer genetic testing to our patients through our genetic counselors. Genetic testing, however, is only the first step. What our patients and their families need is what comes after testing. They require genetic medicine experts to care for them and ensure their safety. That’s what we have established. Here at Roswell Park, we have launched the nation’s first medical home for individuals and families at high risk for cancer due to their genetics or family history.”

Dr. Onel’s goal is for this to become the standard of care for patients and their families. He says, “Knowledge is power, and it allows you to take action, to take control of your destiny.”

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. For more resources and expert advice, visit https://www.roswellpark.org/screening-prevention/genetic-testing or call 1-800-ROSWELL
(1-800-767-9355).