Hereditary Cancer Genetics

Everyone has a possibility of developing cancer in their lifetime. Most cancers happen by chance. About five to ten percent of cancers are due to an inherited predisposition. The Genetics Clinic at Lakeridge Health Oshawa provides evaluation for people who have a strong personal and/or family history of cancer.

We can help you to understand

• your risk for cancer based on your medical and family history
• the medical facts about a hereditary cancer
• whether genetic testing may be beneficial for you or your relatives
• your options for managing your risk of developing cancer

A genetics assessment may be suggested for individuals who have

• multiple cases of cancer in the family, especially of the same type of cancer
• cancers occurring at an unusually young age (e.g. colon cancer before 50, breast cancer before age 35)
• rare cancer in the family (e.g. breast cancer in a male)more than one cancer diagnosis (e.g. a woman with breast and ovarian cancer)
• more than one cancer diagnosis (e.g. a woman with breast and ovarian cancer)
• a family history of a known hereditary cancer syndrome (e.g. Hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome)

The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) offers high risk cancer screening.  Click here for more information.

You can choose to pay for genetic testing if you do not meet the criteria for provincially funded genetic testing.

Contact

The Genetics Clinic can be reached at 905-433-2733.

We are located at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, on the second floor of the R. S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre (C wing).

From the main lobby of the hospital, take the escalator to the second floor. On the second floor, turn left and continue down the hallway into the Cancer Centre (C Wing). Follow the signs to Clinical Genetics.

Referrals

We accept referrals from physicians, using our referral form. Referrals can be faxed to (905) 721-6122.