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