The cancer referral information on this page is also available as a flyer in pdf format. When to Refer to Genetics Genetic risk assessment and testing can be helpful in aiding in the care of individuals with a personal or family history of cancer. A genetic predisposition to developing cancer can be inherited through a mother or father for both males and females. Those with an unknown or limited family history can still be referred to genetics for evaluation. Genetic test results can: Impact treatment recommendations Aid in surgical management decision making Inform unaffected individuals of future risks Guide appropriate screenings General Referral Guidelines for Cancer Indications Individuals with any of the following in their personal or family history: A known genetic pathogenic variant/mutation identified in a cancer susceptibility gene Any of the following diagnosed at any age: Ovarian cancer (including fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers) Male breast cancer Pancreatic cancer Metastatic prostate cancer Medullary thyroid cancer Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma Adrenocortical carcinoma Any of the following diagnosed at a young age: Breast cancer Colorectal cancer Endometrial cancer Gastric cancer Other cancer(s) diagnosed at unusually young ages Two or more cancers diagnosed in the same person A personal and/or family history of > 3 cancers on the same side of the family Cancers with specific tumor characteristics reported from pathology: Triple negative breast cancer Colon, uterine or other cancers showing evidence of mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, either by microsatellite instability (MSI) or loss of MMR protein expression at any age Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or high-grade prostate cancer Non-cancerous personal or family history that may indicate referral include: > 10 cumulative adenomatous polyps > 2 hamartomatous polyps > 5 serrated polyps proximal to sigmoid colon Parathyroid, pituitary, or carcinoid tumors Dysmorphic features in addition to cancer history Mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation of the mouth, lips, nose, eyes, genitalia, or fingers Full referral guidelines are at the bottom of this page. If you are concerned about a patient’s personal or family history of cancer, a genetics professional can help determine if further risk assessment and/or genetic testing is indicated. Cancers Associated with Common Hereditary Cancer Syndromes Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome Breast cancer Ovarian cancer Prostate cancer Pancreatic cancer Sarcoma Adrenocortical carcinoma Thyroid cancer Brain tumor Leukemia Colorectal cancer Endometrial cancer Kidney cancer Diffuse gastric cancer Mucocutaneous skin lesions Lynch Syndrome Colorectal cancer Endometrial cancer Gastric cancer Ovarian cancer Pancreatic cancer Ureter/renal pelvis cancers Biliary tract cancer Brain cancer (usually Glioblastoma) Small intestinal cancers Sebaceous adenomas Sebaceous carcinomas Keratoacanthomas If your patient meets any of these criteria Talk to your patient about recommendations for a genetics referral. For assistance locating the nearest genetics service provider in the New York Mid-Atlantic Caribbean Regional Genetics Network (NYMAC), go to Find a Genetics Clinic - NYMAC- Regional Genetics Network Guidelines and Recommendations Hereditary breast/ovarian cancer National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) Recommendations for BRCA-Related Cancer Hereditary colorectal cancer/polyp syndromes National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment Colorectal Evaluations of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP) through the CDC Multiple cancers National Society of Genetic Counselors/American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (NSGC/ACMG) Referral Indications for Cancer Predisposition Risk Assessment Resources National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) | Find a Genetic Counselor American Cancer Society (ACS) | A tool developed by NSGC for patients and providers to locate genetic counseling services in North America (U.S. and Canada). American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) | Provides resources regarding cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, support services, and support resources. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) | Professional organization for oncology professionals with resources for providers and patients. GeneReviews through the NIH | Resource for providers about the diagnosis and management of patients with genetic conditions. Print