Risk Assessment and Genetic Testing
About Our Program
If a relative has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and you’re anxious about your own risk for breast cancer, you may want to complete a risk assessment or ask your doctor about available genetic testing that can help you better understand your risk.
The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Risk Evaluation Program at Lancaster General Health is specifically designed for individuals who want information about the risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers for themselves and their family.
The program:
- Helps you understand the risk factors involved.
- Addresses your personal concerns.
- Reviews your family history, medical history and lifestyle risk factors.
- Explains genetic testing and helps you with your decision if this option is recommended.
- Provides a written summary of your level of risk.
- Outlines a plan for continued monitoring to help protect your health.
- Evaluates your eligibility to participate in research studies.
The program also provides information for those individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer and want to know about the role of genetics in their diagnosis.
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is offered to people with a personal or strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer to help determine the likelihood that they will develop cancer. Testing is performed through a commercial laboratory. Our program provides education and counseling on the benefits and limitations of genetic testing to help you make a decision that is right for you.
At this time, the CREP program is focusing mainly on Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, but risk analysis for other hereditary cancer syndromes, including gastrointestinal cancers, is soon to come.
For more information, please call (717) 544-7444.