Cancer Genetics Resources
at University of Virginia

Are you genetically at risk for cancer?

The staff at University of Virginia (UVA) Cancer Genetics Clinic are specialists in inherited forms of cancer. They may be able to give you important advice.

What to expect at University of Virginia's Cancer Genetics Clinic

If you or family members have had cancer, you may be referred to UVA's clinic by your doctor, nurse practitioner, or nurse. Two visits may be necessary to provide a person with the most complete understanding of his/her risk for cancer.

At your first visit, you meet with a genetic counselor, who records your family medical history in detail. A physician may then examine you. In between your first and second visits, the clinic's staff may obtain medical records on tumors reported in your relatives. This is done only if your relatives agree to release their medical records.

After careful review of the records, this group decides if you may have an inherited tendency for cancer. If so, the staff designs a medical treatment plan for you.

At your second visit, you learn:

the cancer(s) or cancer syndrome(s) suspected in you and/or your family
how the cancer is inherited
the chance that any children would inherit this
the risk that cancer would possibly develop
a medical treatment plan for you

UVA Genetics Clinic reaches out

UVA staff regularly travel to sites in Virginia and West Virginia to see patients with cancer that may be inherited and, when indicated, refer them to UVA's Cancer Genetics Clinic.

These outreach sites include:

In Virginia: Abingdon, Danville, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Winchester

In West Virginia: Beckley

For more information, contact:

The Cancer Center

#800334 UVA Health System

Charlottesville, Virginia 22908

(804) 243-6441

(800) 223-9173

FAX: (804) 243-5860

If you would like to have your cancer genetics services featured in an upcoming issue, please contact Philana Chen at e-mail: pchen@jhsph.edu or call 410-955-7497.