Hereditary Cancer Program
According to the National Cancer Institute, 5-10% of cancer cases are inherited.
In recent years, researchers have discovered additional germline mutations
linked to breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, and other types of cancers,
increasing our ability to identify individuals and families who may be
at increased cancer risk.
Hoag’s Hereditary Cancer Program, the Richard J. Flamson Hereditary
Screening Program, offers risk assessment counseling and genetic testing
to individuals with a personal or family history of cancer. While breast
and ovarian cancer are the most common referral conditions, our licensed,
board-certified genetic counselors work with patients with any cancer
indication, and 2017 saw growth in referrals from other cancer types including
melanoma, colon, prostate, and pancreas.
The genetic counselors provide education on hereditary cancer, review patients’
susceptibility for all known hereditary cancers, and counsel patients
on choosing the appropriate genetic tests. Genetic testing technology
has advanced significantly in recent years- multigene panels can now test
for up to 83 inherited cancer genes with a maximum cost of $250.
Patients whose test results indicate a mutation or mutations receive a
detailed report outlining their risk for developing specific cancers in
five-year increments. In a follow up appointment, genetic counselors help
guide patients in talking with other family members about their test results,
discuss current NCCN screening guidelines that pertain to them, and link
patients to other beneficial resources and support.
In addition to their 17-year presence at the Patty & George Hoag Cancer
Center in Newport Beach, Hoag’s genetic counselors now also meet
with patients at Hoag Cancer Center Irvine. The Hereditary Cancer Program
is closely integrated with the Precision Medicine Program - patients whose
tumor profiling results reveal a possible inherited mutation are referred
to genetic counseling and possible genetic testing.
TEAM
Michael Demeure, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.E.
Physician Advisor
Jeanne Homer, M.S.
Licensed Board-Certified Genetic Counselor
Frances Oh, M.S.
Licensed Board-Certified Genetic Counselor
Chelsey Weatherill, M.S.
Licensed Board-Certified Genetic Counselor
Luanna Buchanan, B.S.
Genetic Counseling Assistant
Carole Richard
Sr. Administrative Assistant
For more information call:
949-722-6237