Cancer at a younger age
An earlier-than-expected diagnosis for that type of tumor may be relevant, especially when there are other cases in the family.
Hereditary cancer and genetic testing
The investigation of hereditary predisposition can seek a genetic explanation for some cancer patterns and offer information for the care of the person and their family.
The context includes different generations and both sides of the family, without transforming risk into destiny.
When to investigate
Some signs in history deserve a conversation.
Write down the types of cancer, the approximate ages at diagnosis and the relationship between those affected, considering both sides of the family.
Several family members affected
Cases of the same cancer or related tumors on the same side of the family can form an important pattern.
More than one cancer in the same person
Different primary tumors or cancer in paired organs are information that should be taken into consideration.
Rare or unusual types
Some rare or unusual tumors for age and sex may lead the professional to consider genetic investigation.
Known genetic change in the family
When a family member already has a relevant change confirmed, the information can guide a targeted analysis for other relatives.
Important: These signs do not confirm a hereditary syndrome, and the absence of many known cases does not exclude a predisposition. The assessment considers the entire history and available tests.
What the test can add
Information to personalize care and guide the family.
When a relevant hereditary change is identified, the result can help the team understand the risk in that person's context.
- 01
Investigate the family pattern
The test may help explain why certain types of cancer appear in one person or in different generations.
- 02
Support follow-up
The result can contribute to an individualized screening, prevention or follow-up plan defined by the assistant team.
- 03
Bring information to family members
A relevant finding may prompt biological relatives to talk to their professionals about assessment and targeted testing.
- 04
Gather genetics and medical history
The report gains meaning when it is interpreted together with diagnoses, ages and other risk factors.
NeoGenomica Tests
Discover NeoPainel and the Super Panel.
The options investigate hereditary predisposition, but they use different technologies and do not analyze exactly the same changes. The history and clinical question help the professional evaluate which strategy to consider.
Prepare the conversation
Take what you know about your family history.
You don't need to have all the answers to get started. Approximate information and documents already available can help.
Relatives and diagnoses
Write down who had cancer, what type it was and whether the same person received more than one diagnosis.
Approximate age
Record age at diagnosis or an estimate to help recognize the family pattern.
Existing reports
When available, bring pathology reports and genetic results, especially if there is already a known variant.
After the test
The report guides the next conversation.
The meaning of the result depends on the finding and personal and family history.
- 01
Relevant change identified
A pathogenic or likely pathogenic change may indicate increased predisposition when gene and context are compatible. This does not mean that the person has or will have cancer.
- 02
Negative result
Failure to find a change may not explain the family pattern or eliminate other risk factors. The interpretation changes when there is already a known variant in the family.
- 03
Variant of uncertain meaning
A VUS does not confirm predisposition and should not guide clinical decisions. All NeoGenomica tests include Infinity VUS follow-up for reported variants.
Frequently asked questions
Hereditary cancer and genetic testing.
Does having cancer in the family mean it is hereditary?
Not necessarily. The evaluation considers tumor types, age at diagnosis, relationship and other factors to recognize patterns that increase suspicion.
Who should be tested first?
When possible, starting with a family member who has had cancer usually provides more information. If this is not feasible, the professional can evaluate another strategy.
Is the hereditary test the same test done on the tumor?
No. Hereditary testing looks for changes that may be present from birth and passed down in the family. Tumor analysis mainly looks for changes acquired by cancer and may have another objective.
Does a positive result mean I will have cancer?
No. A relevant variant may increase risk, but it does not predict the future with certainty. Risk and monitoring depend on the gene, variant, history and other factors.
Does a negative result end follow-up?
Not automatically. Care continues to be defined by age, personal and family history and team recommendations.
Next step
Want to understand the options for investigating hereditary cancer?
Find out about the tests available or talk to the team about access, documents and sample collection. The recommendation must consider the history and professional assessment.
For patients and families
Information for each stage of the journey.
Start with the topic that comes closest to your question.
