Although most cancers are not hereditary, a predisposition to cancer can be passed from one generation to the other in some families.

The Cancer Genetics Unit at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital includes a genetic counselor and a team of cancer specialists who provide genetic counseling for hereditary cancer and offer genetic testing for familial breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers. Testing for hereditary prostate cancer will be added as soon as it is available.

Knowledge of family history is key to understanding cancer risk. Not every family with cancer is a high-risk family. Genetic counseling can help identify families with a hereditary pattern of cancer.

The team at the Cancer Genetics Unit can help identify the advantages and disadvantages of testing and answer any questions that may arise, such as: What will a positive or negative test result mean for me and my family, or, once I know my cancer risk, what are my options?

Early risk detection can have substantial benefits. Knowing family cancer risk allows a person or entire family to share potentially life-saving information with relatives. Some in the family may be reassured by a low risk, while others can get the prevention and care they need long before cancer develops.

Those at high risk for cancer may be offered the opportunity to take advantage of the many innovative strategies for cancer prevention, detection and treatment that are under development at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital.