Genetics

Some tumours are more common in families and close relatives. It is important to assess the risk of disease as accurately as possible in order to detect them early and thus improve treatment outcomes. An oncogenetic consultation is indicated for all patients with a medical or family history suggesting a possible hereditary tumour.

Main reasons for consulting an oncogeneticist:

• Tumours of the same type have occurred in several people in the patient’s family
• Patient has repeatedly suffered from malignant tumours during their life
• Development of tumours at an unusually young age
• Multi-site cancer in the same person

During the consultation, an oncogeneticist does the following:

• Examines the risk of hereditary cancer based on individual and family medical history
• Advises on the need for genetic testing and the appropriate tests
• Offers a personalised explanation of the examination results, if necessary, together with the preparation of a monitoring and screening plan