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Sign Up for FORCE NewslettersGenetic testing for people who have never been diagnosed with cancer
Experts recommend that people with any of the following family history should speak to a genetics expert about genetic testing:
A relative who has tested positive for an in a gene that increases cancer risk. |
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One or more first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer and any of the following:
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One or more first- or second-degree relatives with:
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One or more first-degree relatives with:
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Two or more relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with any combination of the following at any age: |
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You are of Eastern European Jewish ancestry and have any relatives with breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer at any age. |
Other people who may benefit from genetic counseling and testing
- People of Eastern European Jewish ancestry—even those without any family history of cancer—may wish to speak with a genetic counselor about testing.
- You may benefit from genetic counseling if you have had more than 10 colon .
- You may also benefit from additional genetic counseling and expanded genetic testing if you had genetic testing in the past, you tested negative, and all of the following apply:
- you have a family history of cancer that matches any of the situations listed above.
- your genetic test only looked at one, or a few genes.
- none of your relatives have tested positive for an inherited gene mutation.
See our section Testing Guidelines by Cancer Type for additional guideline information.
This is not a complete list of hereditary cancers. A genetics expert can help you learn if the cancer in your family is hereditary.
The following resources can help you locate a genetics expert near you or via telehealth.
Finding genetics experts
- The National Society of Genetic Counselors website has a search tool for finding a genetic counselor by specialty and location or via telehealth.
- InformedDNA is a network of board-certified genetic counselors providing this service by telephone. They can also help you find a qualified expert in your area for face-to-face genetic counseling if that is your preference.
- Gene-Screen is a third-party genetic counseling group that can help educate, support and order testing for patients and their families.
- JScreen is a national program from Emory University that provides low-cost at-home genetic counseling and testing with financial assistance available.
- Grey Genetics provides access to genetic counselors who offer genetic counseling by telephone.
- The Genetic Support Foundation offers genetic counseling with board-certified genetic counselors.
Related experts
Genetics clinics
- The American College of Medical Genetics website has a tool to find genetics clinics by location and specialty.
Other ways to find experts
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards and post on the Find a Specialist board to connect with other people who share your situation.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers have genetic counselors who specialize in cancer.
- FORCE's toll-free helpline (866-288-RISK, ext. 704) will connect you with a volunteer board-certified genetic counselor who can help you find a genetics expert near you.
FORCE offers many peer support programs for people with inherited mutations.
- Our Message Boards allow people to connect with others who share their situation. Once registered, you can post on the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Our Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation.
- Our moderated, private Facebook group allows you to connect with other community members 24/7.
- Check out our virtual and in-person support meeting calendar.
- Join one of our Zoom community group meetings.