Clinical Cancer Genetics

At The Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer specifically designed programs to meet the needs of high-risk patients and families. This knowledge can help the person or families in planning health care for the future. Individuals assessed to have a higher than average risk of cancer will be referred to a specialist. They can talk to the person about having screening early to detect any signs of cancer as early as possible to ensure prompt treatment and successful outcomes.

The Clinical Cancer Genetics Program offers risk assessment, testing and long term management for men and women with a family history of cancer. The program is composed of three clinics:

1. Breast and Ovarian Surveillance Service (BOSS)
   Deborah Armstrong, M.D., Co-director
   Kala Visvanathan, M.D., Co-director
   Jennifer Axilbund, Genetic Counselor
   Elizabeth Wiley, Genetic Counselor
   
2. Colon Cancer Risk Assessment Service
   Director, Francis Giardiello, M.D.
   
3. Familial Cancer Service
   Available to address familial forms of cancer and concerns not related to breast, ovarian, or colon cancer. The multidisciplinary consultation service provides genetic counseling and risk assessment to cancer patients, their families, and high-risk individuals. The Cancer Risk Assessment team includes individuals trained in oncology, gastroenterology, genetics, epidemiology, genetic counseling, and nursing.

Heredity and Cancer

Heredity is the transmission of genetic characteristics from ancestor to descendant through the genes. As a subject, it is tied closely to genetics, the area of biological study concerned with hereditary traits.

Heredity may play a role in some cancers. It’s common that many family members have had cancer and it may seem that certain cancers seem to run in some families. Genetics mean that some people are more vulnerable to inherit cancer than others, however, environmental factors such as smoking and diet often determine which of these people will develop the disease. Individuals who have a strong family history of cancer or multiple types of cancers that run in their families may want to find out about their genetic makeup.

All cancer is triggered by altered genes, but only five to ten percent of cancers are actually hereditary.

We offer comprehensive cancer risk assessment evaluation and cancer genetic testing at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins.