Hematologic Oncology and Blood Cancer
Hematologic oncology is a medical specialty concerned with treating cancers of the blood and blood-forming tissues. Specialists in this field help patients with a variety
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and suspect it might be genetic, there’s a chance you could be right. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 5% to 10% of all cancers result directly from inherited genetic mutations. To help you find out, RCCA offers genetic testing services. For more information, schedule an appointment at one of our offices in New Jersey, Maryland or Connecticut.
Cancer can be caused by many different things, and in some cases, the cause is unknown. However, researchers have been able to pinpoint a genetic link for some types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer. So while your diagnosis is more likely caused by something else, it is possible that it was inherited.
That’s because certain genetic mutations can predispose people to developing cancer. While these genes don’t guarantee a person will ever be diagnosed, there is a greater risk. For example, if a woman has an inherited mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, she is more likely to develop breast cancer or ovarian cancer at some point during her lifetime.
Genetic testing can help determine whether or not a cancer diagnosis is genetic. But there are some other signs that could indicate a possible connection. If one or more of the following attributes applies to your situation, your cancer diagnosis might be hereditary.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about your family medical history and any concerns you might have. Understanding genes and the role they play in cancer can potentially help with treatment and increase awareness among other family members who may be at risk. It can also help doctors determine prognosis.
Want to know more about cancer genetics? It’s a growing field and new discoveries are being made all the time. While genetic testing isn’t right for every patient diagnosed with cancer, it can help provide some clarity for others. Talk to your doctor at RCCA about your options today.
For more information or to schedule an appointment,
call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
Hematologic oncology is a medical specialty concerned with treating cancers of the blood and blood-forming tissues. Specialists in this field help patients with a variety
Cancer can affect anyone from any background. However, some racial and ethnic groups have higher rates of certain kinds of cancer. Regional Cancer Care Associates
A look at who is a candidate for genetic screening, and how that screening should be performed.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.