Your Genetic Makeup

What is Hereditary Cancer?

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 is passed down from one generation to the next. Cancer risk assessment can help identify families with true hereditary cancer risk.

What we can do for you:

  1. Provide information on cancer, genetics and inheritance as it applies to you and your family
  2. Record your family history and assess your hereditary cancer risk
  3. Discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing
  4. Coordinate appropriate genetic testing
  5. Assist with insurance coverage
  6. Interpret genetic testing results for you and your family
  7. Provide counseling and emotional support
  8. Discuss steps you can take to lower your cancer risk
  9. Provide written assessment to you and your physicians

Benefits of this Service

Knowing your risk allows for early detection and/or reduction of risk of developing cancer.

A better understanding of your cancer risk can provide relief from uncertainty and increased peace of mind. This life-saving service is a gift to your family.

What about cost and my insurance?

Many insurance companies will cover all or part of the cost of these services. Because each plan is different, we recommend that you check with your insurance company for specifics.

What about discrimination and confidentiality?

Experience to date has shown that there is little, if any risk of insurance discrimination associated with hereditary cancer assessment and testing.

Your privacy is very important to us and is protected throughout the process. Information will be released only with your consent.

Who should consider hereditary cancer assessment?

Anyone with a family history of cancer can benefit from hereditary cancer assessment.

High-risk family characteristics include:

Breast / Ovarian cancer: One family member with breast cancer at 40 or younger or:

Two family members with breast cancer at 50 or younger or:

Three or more relatives on the same side (mother's or father's) of the family with breast cancer at any age or:

Ovarian cancer, bilateral breast cancer, male breast cancer or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry increase the family's risk.

Colon / Uterine cancer: One family member with colon cancer or uterine cancer under age 50 or:

Two family members with colon cancer at any age.

Two family members with melanoma, or melanoma and cancer of the pancreas.

We also see families for other inherited cancer conditions.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact us at 949.218.2800

F. Martin

"Today, we continue to put all our trust in Dr. Carabulea, a doctor on the cutting edge of his medical field combined with the gentle demeanor of a family physician that is hard to find these days."