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Genetic Counselling for Hereditary Cancer

What does hereditary mean?

Hereditary means something that is passed down to you by your ancestors or family members. In a medical sense, hereditary refers to the passing of a medical condition, or perhaps even an increased risk for developing certain medical conditions.

What is genetic counselling for hereditary cancer?

At a genetic counselling appointment, a genetic counsellor will review your personal medical history and your family’s medical history to determine if you are at risk for developing hereditary cancer. If you are at a higher risk, the genetic counsellor will be able to offer recommendations on screening (to detect cancers earlier when they are more treatable) or prevention (ways to reduce your chance of developing cancer).

Some families who are considered high risk will be offered genetic testing to try to find a genetic cause for cancer in their family, or they may be offered referrals to other specialists to discuss further screening or prevention options. Genetic testing, which is completed by collecting and analyzing a blood sample, is not offered to everyone who receives genetic counselling.

Are all cancers hereditary?

No, most cancers are not hereditary. Non-hereditary cancers occur for many reasons including:

Most cancers happen for a combination of reasons. Only a very small number of cancers (less than 1 in 10) are actually hereditary, or due to a single gene, inherited from a parent, that can play a strong role in who develops or does not develop cancer.

Who should receive genetic counselling?

If you think your family history of cancer may run in your family, ask your doctor for a referral to a genetic counsellor. Before receiving an appointment, a genetic counsellor may phone you to get more details about your family history and decide if an appointment is needed.

Some factors that may suggest hereditary cancer include:

If you have questions or are not sure if a referral is right for you, please ask your physician, oncologist or supportive care coordinator, or contact the genetics clinic at 519-749-4300 ext. 5988..

How much does genetic counselling/testing cost?

Genetic counselling appointments are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). (If you do not qualify for OHIP, you may be required to pay for these appointments.) Most genetic tests are also covered by OHIP but are only available when certain rules in the family history or personal medical history are met. Your genetic counsellor will tell you if there is a genetic test that you qualify for.

Do I have to do a genetic test?

No. Genetic testing is optional. If your genetic counsellor suggests a genetic test for you, he or she will discuss with you all of the pros and cons for having that genetic test. You will decide whether or not to have the test.

How do I learn about my family health history?

If you would like to learn how to construct your family health history to discuss with your health care provider, click on the links below:


Does it matter which side of the family the cancer is on?

No. Cancer (or other health problems) on your father’s side or mother’s side can be just as important to your health and your own chances of developing a similar health problem. We inherit our genes from both parents equally, whether we are male or female. We also often share many of the same lifestyle habits and environment with both sides of the family. When you review your family history with your doctor, you should remember to mention health problems on both sides of your family.

I don’t have a doctor. Can I still receive genetic counselling?

Yes. If you do not have a family doctor or other primary health care provider, you may contact the cancer genetics clinic at 519-749-4300 ext. 5988. A genetic counsellor will take your personal information and family history over the phone, and let you know if a genetic counselling appointment is needed for you. If needed, the genetic counsellor will discuss setting up an appointment and give you instructions on how to prepare for this appointment.

I am a doctor. How do I make a referral for cancer genetic counselling?

For health care providers, click here for the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care guidelines for referral to cancer genetics services, and our referral form. Certain referrals for rare inherited cancer syndromes may be redirected to one of the larger provincial genetics programs.

How can I learn more about a career in genetic counselling?

If you are interested in a career in genetic counselling or would like to learn more about genetic counselling in general, click on the useful links below:

What if I am worried about a genetic problem in my family other than cancer? / I am a doctor. Can I refer patients for other genetic reasons to Grand River Hospital??

Grand River Hospital is not currently offering other genetics services such as prenatal, pediatric genetics consults or Huntington’s disease. Please continue to direct these referrals in the usual manner to the Regional Genetics Programs at McMaster University Medical Centre – Hamilton (905-521-5085 / fax 905-521-2651) or Medical Genetics of Southwestern Ontario at London Health Sciences Centre – London (519-685-8140 / fax 519-685-8214).

We will update this website as new genetics services are available at Grand River Hospital. In the meantime, if you have a referral for a pediatric, adult or general genetics case, you may continue to direct these referrals in the usual manner to Hamilton or London, or you may contact the GRH genetics clinic directly at 519-749-4300 ext. 5988 to see if your referral can be handled at this time.