UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is part of the UPMC family.

Health Alert:

COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Updates

Learn More
1_5 prevention

Genetic Cancer Counseling and Testing

If you're concerned about your risk for cancer, the Cancer Genetics Program (CGP) can help.

We offer counseling and tests for people who may be at an increased risk for cancer.

Learning your risk will help you and your family know your options for prevention, early detection, and treatment.

The CGP:

  • Provides genetic counseling about your personal cancer risk.
  • Informs you about cancer screenings and the most current genetic tests.
  • Tells you which cancer screening tests may offer early detection.
  • Helps you and your family learn how certain cancers may cluster in families.
  • Explains how genes passed on from your parents may play a role in your cancer risk.
  • Offers prevention steps that make sense for you.

About Genetic Counseling for Cancer

To find out if you're at risk for hereditary cancer, you need to get a DNA test. But before testing, your first step is to meet with a genetic counselor.

Our counselors at the CGP:

  • Have special training in cancer genetics and certifications by the American Board of Medical Genetics or American Board of Genetic Counseling.
  • Will discuss your personal and family history to learn if you're at risk for an inherited cancer mutation.
  • Are part of a team that includes genetics experts, cancer doctors and nurses, social workers, and others.

What Will I Learn From a Cancer Genetic Consult?

Having a consult may help relieve any worry about cancer risk and provide a sense of control.

After a complete review of your family and health history, the consult team will discuss:

  • The types of genetic tests we have for certain cancers.
  • The pros, cons, and limits of cancer genetic testing.
  • Cancer screening tests and how often you should have them.
  • The complete details of your family tree.
  • Your risks for certain cancers based on your age, family history, and other factors.
  • The possible role of genes in your family's cancer.
  • Your feelings about cancer and risk.

What Types of Inherited Cancers Can a DNA Test Detect?

The CGP offers targeted testing for hereditary cancer syndromes, such as:

  • Cowden Syndrome (PTEN).
  • Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (APC).
  • Familial Melanoma (CDKN2A).
  • Hereditary Breast-Ovarian Cancer (BRCA1, BRCA2).
  • Hereditary Non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer (MSH2, MLH1, MSH6, PMS2).
  • Hereditary Paraganglioma (SDHB, SDHD).
  • Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (TP53).
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) and Type 2 (RET).
  • Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (PTCH).
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Disease (VHL).

Find answers to more questions about cancer genetic counseling.

Cancer Gene Research and CME

The CGP strives to provide you with expert cancer genetics consults through:

  • Forming a cohort of people with inherited cancer for research studies, so we can learn more.
  • Training and CME for health care workers to keep them up-to-date on the latest genetic cancer research.

Contact the CGP

The CGP is a joint program of:

To make an appointment, refer a patient, or learn more about us, call 1-800-454-8156.

We're open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During nights and weekends, you can leave us a message.

-----------