Module 12: Genetic Testing and Cancer

Question 1

What characteristics would a family that has a low risk of cancer have?

Answer 1

• No/few 1st or 2nd degree relatives with cancer
• Typical age of onset
• Common cancer in the general population
• No unusual tumor characteristics or other physical findings

Question 2

What characteristics would a family that has a moderate risk of cancer have?

Answer 2

• Familial cluster
• Doesn’t meet clinical criteria for known syndrome
• Likely combined genetics/environment
• Few relatives w/ similar cancer

Question 3

What characteristics would a family that has a high risk of cancer have?

Answer 3

• Early onset
• Multiple generations affected
• Rare cancers/less affected gender more than expected
• Bilateral organs affected

Question 4

Risks of genetic testing in cancer

Answer 4

• Prophylactic surgery is life altering

- Surveillance is costly, time consuming, and invasive

Question 5

Benefits of genetic testing in cancer

Answer 5

• Identifies at risk individuals which allows for targeted screening
• Pharmacogenetics

Question 6

Limitations of genetic testing in cancer

Answer 6

• Results may not be definitive

- Positive, negative, true negative, variant

Question 7

What is a common finding in a pedigree of a sporadic cancer?

Answer 7

Common cancers (breast, colon, prostate)

Question 8

What is a common recommendation for an individual with a familial cluster of cancer?

Answer 8

Increase surveillance for the cancer in the family

Question 9

(T/F) Sally’s mother is BRCA positive; but, Sally is BRCA negative. She should be counseled that her risk for breast cancer is 0%.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

What is one purpose of genetic testing a tumor?

Answer 10

To guide a selection of treatment and/or medications

Question 11

Sally has a family history of early onset colon cancer in her brother and father. Her testing for the colon cancer gene is negative. What would be recommended next?

Answer 11

Genetic testing for her brother or father