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Hoag Hereditary Cancer Program
Hoag Cancer Center has been involved in hereditary cancer assessment for more than 15 years, offering risk assessment counseling and genetic testing to individuals with a personal or family history of cancer.
More than 300 new patients are seen each year through the Hereditary Cancer Program. Most live in Orange County, but it is not uncommon for individuals and families to travel from LA, Palm Springs, San Diego, and even Northern California or out of state.
Please click on any of the following topics for more information about the Hereditary Cancer Program at Hoag Cancer Center:
Hereditary cancer – Are you at risk?
Many people worry about being diagnosed with cancer, especially if close relatives have had cancer. Although most cancers are not hereditary, in some families a predisposition to cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next – from either parent.
Determining if the cancer in your family is sporadic, familial or hereditary can provide you with the information you need to create a plan for early detection and/or reducing the risk of developing cancer. A better understanding of your cancer risk can also provide peace of mind.
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Who should consider hereditary cancer assessment?
If you or a close family member have had any of the following, a hereditary cancer assessment may be important for you:
Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer
- Breast cancer under age 40-50
- Ovarian cancer at any age
- Breast and ovarian cancer in an individual or family
- Male breast cancer
- Breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer in an Ashkenazi (Eastern European ancestry) Jewish family
Hereditary Colon Cancer
- Colorectal cancer under age 50
- Endometrial (uterine) cancer under age 50
- Multiple colon polyps
- More than one of the following cancers in an individual or family, especially under age 50: colon, rectal, endometrial, gastric, ovarian, pancreas, ureter/renal pelvis, biliary tract, small bowel, brain, and sebaceous adenoma/carcinoma
Other Hereditary Cancer Conditions
We also provide risk assessment for other inherited cancer conditions.
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What’s involved in a hereditary cancer assessment appointment?
- Providing medical information on cancer, genetics and inheritance and how it applies to you and your family
- Recording your family history
- Evaluating your hereditary cancer risk, using risk assessment models and software
- Explaining the benefits and limitations of genetic testing
- Coordinating appropriate genetic testing
- Assisting with obtaining insurance coverage for testing
- Interpreting complex genetic test results
- Providing counseling and emotional support
- Developing a plan for cancer screening and the steps you can take to lower your cancer risk
- Providing a detailed written summary to you and your physicians
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What is genetic testing?
Genetic testing for hereditary cancer susceptibility usually involves just a simple blood draw. All tests are performed at outside laboratories. The results of these tests can help determine if you are at risk for hereditary cancers.
Organizations such as American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, American Society of Clinical Oncology and the US Preventive Services Task Force recommend that genetic testing be done only after consultation with a genetics professional.
A genetic counselor can help you decide if testing is indicated, which test is appropriate and the best approach for testing in your family. Genetic test results are often complex, and should therefore be interpreted by a specialist, who can also provide emotional support, assistance in informing family members, and help in developing a plan for cancer screening and risk reduction.
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How do I make an appointment?
For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Hoag’s Hereditary Cancer Program at 949/764-5764 or hereditarycancer@hoaghospital.org. Although many patients seek assessment at the recommendation of their physicians, referral from a healthcare provider is not required.
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Hoag’s Hereditary Cancer Team
To provide our patients with the finest care, we provide a team of medical experts:
- Certified Genetic Counselors
- Cancer Center Medical Director/Oncologist
- Oncology Social Worker
- Reimbursement Specialist
Certified Genetic Counselors
Jeanne Homer graduated from Smith College and received her M.S. degree in genetic counseling from the University of California at Irvine. She is board certified as a genetic counselor. Jeanne has been seeing patients through the Hereditary Cancer Program at Hoag Cancer Center since 2002.
Mariana Niell is the most recent addition to our team at the Hereditary Cancer Program. She is a board certified genetic counselor who received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University. Mariana completed her M.S. in genetic counseling at Brandeis University in 2006.
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What Patients Say about Hereditary Cancer Assessment
“This program needs to be shared with all people who are diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer.”
“I find that having information always helps to decrease anxiety.”
“Though I was very nervous, the counselor was so kind and helpful. It was a good experience.”
“Knowledge is power. The Hereditary Cancer Program gave me tools to make informed decisions about my treatment.”
“I think it is a great program and very worthwhile.”
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Message from the Genetic Counselors
We understand that it is a big step to begin thinking about the possibility of hereditary cancer for you and your family. At Hoag, our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible throughout this process, by:
- Being available in person, by phone and via email prior to your appointment to address your concerns and questions
- Being on time for your appointments
- Welcoming your (adult) family members to all appointments
- Treating your personal and family history information with all of the attention and consideration that it deserves
- Protecting your privacy
- Serving as a source of information on the latest research and developments in hereditary cancer
- Being a life-long resource to you (to re-evaluate your information in the event of any changes)
Sincerely,
Jeanne Homer, MS, Certified Genetic Counselor
Mariana Niell, MS, Certified Genetic Counselor
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