OREANDA-NEWS. May 23, 2013. Regional Cancer Care, an affiliate of The US Oncology Network and a leading provider of comprehensive, state-of-the art cancer treatment in the Triangle area, is pleased to announce the addition of in-office genetic risk assessment to its service offerings. Genetic risk assessment is the latest innovation in genetic testing and provides an individualized analysis that identifies a person’s risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. It is a valuable predictive tool that allows for early interventions and screenings, often reducing the impact of hereditary cancers.

It is estimated that approximately five to ten percent of all cancers are hereditary in nature. Some of the more common forms of cancer linked to genetic mutations are breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers. Genetic risk assessment offers the potential to detect these cancers in their early stages or take preventative action prior to the disease occurring, significantly increasing the opportunity for a better outcome.

“Regional Cancer Care is embracing the latest development in cancer risk management by offering our patients a full genetic risk assessment,” said James W. Hathorn, M.D., oncologist and hematologist with RCC. “We are excited to bring this cutting-edge technology to our patients so they have access to this important testing in a comfortable, personalized environment. Our mission is to provide individualized state-of-the-art care to our patients in a convenient setting, and providing genetic testing is a great enhancement to our treatment model.”

The genetic risk assessment is comprised of a series of one-on-one comprehensive patient interviews conducted by specially trained staff. The initial visit focuses on developing a complete family history, educating the patient on hereditary cancers, and completing the genetic testing. Detection of genetic mutations is done with a process that utilizes a simple blood or sputum test, and results are available approximately two weeks later. Once the results are available, another counseling session is held to discuss the findings, educate the patient about his or her status, and address any concerns.

For patients who test positive for a gene mutation, options are discussed concerning a proactive, individualized care plan. These patients are advised to speak to their physician about such options as chemoprevention, increased surveillance, and preventative surgery to minimize the risk of developing cancer. They are also encouraged to begin cancer screenings at an earlier age than normally recommended for the general population.

“It is important to remember that gene mutations can be passed down from generation to generation, so what affects one patient may also have affected his or her parents, grandparents, siblings, and children,” said Dr. Hathorn. “Knowing genetic risk factors can help a person or his or her entire family better plan for the future, as many interventions can be performed to reduce the likelihood of developing a hereditary cancer.”

Appointments for a genetic risk assessment at Regional Cancer Care are available now by calling 919-477-0047.