City of Hope-Banner Cancer Screening & Prevention Program

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center has partnered with the City of Hope National Medical Center to offer a genetic counseling program to help individuals and families learn about -- and reduce -- their risk of cancer.

The City of Hope-Banner Cancer Screening & Prevention Program focuses on family history, genetics, and environmental and lifestyle factors to determine if you are at risk of getting cancer. If you are, our genetic counselors can help you reduce that risk.

Is there a link between genetics and cancer?
Recent advances in research clearly indicate a link between genes and cancer. This link is often strongest in families where:

• Cancer occurs at a much younger age than average
• Cancer occurs in more than one generation
• Cancer occurs in several close relatives
• More than one type of cancer occurs in the same close relative
• Cancer occurs in paired organs (e.g. cancer in both breasts)
• Several rare cancers occur in a family

How can you help me?
The City of Hope-Banner Cancer Screening & Prevention Program takes a three-step approach to help you understand and minimize risks.

1. Individuals meet with our genetics counselors to review their family's medical history. Together we will construct a family tree to uncover cancer patterns.
2. We will assess your risk for cancer and discuss how review steps you could take to lessen the likelihood of developing the disease. If genetic testing is indicated, you will be educated about the process so you can make an informed decision.
3. If you choose to undergo genetic testing, a blood sample will be taken and analyzed. You will have a face-to-face discussion for test results and recommendations for care.

Questions?
For more information, please contact our certified genetic and cancer- risk counselor at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, at (602) 839-6385.