Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment Program

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Have you or a family member had any of the following:

  • Breast cancer before the age
    of 50 or male breast cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    before the age of 50
  • Colon and/or rectal cancer
    before the age of 50
  • Ten or more adenomatous
    polyps at any age
If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, you may be at greater risk of developing cancer.

Just about everyone has been privy to family secrets passed along at weddings, funerals and assorted holiday gatherings. And, while some tales are simply colorful fodder for the family tree, others may reveal important information about ancestry, family relationships and recurring patterns of illness, particularly, cancer.

To help determine if you have a higher risk for developing cancer, New York Oncology Hematology offers a comprehensive risk assessment program including:

  • in-depth personal and family history,
  • genetic testing, and as appropriate
  • education for patients and their families

Although hereditary risk assessment and genetic testing cannot predict whether you will actually develop cancer, understanding your risk for developing the disease can be an important step in making lifestyle decisions including regular screenings that can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.


To schedule a consultation with a member of the
NYOH Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment staff,
please call (518) 220-9192.

What is genetic testing?

Today, tests are available that can detect certain gene mutations. Genetic testing can determine if you have or do not have a hereditary predisposition that may put you at higher risk of developing cancer before any symptoms appear.

Why is genetic testing important?

Although genetic testing cannot predict whether you will actually develop cancer, understanding your risk of developing the disease can be an important step in making medical and lifestyle decisions that can help prevent cancer or about getting regular screenings that can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.

What happens during the test?

While the actual test involves a simple blood draw and lab analysis, the pre- and postconsultation with your healthcare team is a key component of your cancer risk assessment. These consultations will prepare you for the pre-test interview, which involves
obtaining a comprehensive family cancer history, and the post-test results discussion regarding the cancer risk options you have.

What happens after the test?

After the test results return from the lab, we will review the results with you and address your cancer risk options, which may include closer medical observation, more frequent testing, preventive surgery, and/or preventive medication, among others. Furthermore, as your life/needs change over time, so should your plan and our dedicated team will be with you every step of the way.

Will insurance cover genetic testing?

HIPAA protects patient privacy and prohibits health insurance providers from discriminating based on genetic information. Most laboratories determine coverage prior to testing and because the pre- and post-consultation is with a physician, most patients do have coverage. Our office can help with this process and answer any questions you might have regarding coverage.