The cancer referral information on this page is also available as a flyer in pdf format.
- Genetic risk assessment and testing can be helpful in aiding in the care of individuals with a personal or family history of cancer.
- A genetic predisposition to developing cancer can be inherited through a mother or father for both males and females.
- Those with an unknown or limited family history can still be referred to genetics for evaluation.
- Genetic test results can:
- Impact treatment recommendations
- Aid in surgical management decision making
- Inform unaffected individuals of future risks
- Guide appropriate screenings
Individuals with any of the following in their personal or family history:
- A known genetic pathogenic variant/mutation identified in a cancer susceptibility gene
Any of the following diagnosed at any age:
- Ovarian cancer (including fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers)
- Male breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Metastatic prostate cancer
- Medullary thyroid cancer
- Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma
- Adrenocortical carcinoma
Any of the following diagnosed at a young age:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Other cancer(s) diagnosed at unusually young ages
Two or more cancers diagnosed in the same person
A personal and/or family history of > 3 cancers on the same side of the family
Cancers with specific tumor characteristics reported from pathology:
- Triple negative breast cancer
- Colon, uterine or other cancers showing evidence of mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, either by microsatellite instability (MSI) or loss of MMR protein expression at any age
Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent with a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or high-grade prostate cancer
Non-cancerous personal or family history that may indicate referral include:
- > 10 cumulative adenomatous polyps
- > 2 hamartomatous polyps
- > 5 serrated polyps proximal to sigmoid colon
- Parathyroid, pituitary, or carcinoid tumors
- Dysmorphic features in addition to cancer history
- Mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation of the mouth, lips, nose, eyes, genitalia, or fingers
Full referral guidelines are at the bottom of this page. If you are concerned about a patient’s personal or family history of cancer, a genetics professional can help determine if further risk assessment and/or genetic testing is indicated.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Sarcoma
- Adrenocortical carcinoma
- Thyroid cancer
- Brain tumor
- Leukemia
- Colorectal cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Diffuse gastric cancer
- Mucocutaneous skin lesions
Lynch Syndrome
- Colorectal cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Ureter/renal pelvis cancers
- Biliary tract cancer
- Brain cancer (usually Glioblastoma)
- Small intestinal cancers
- Sebaceous adenomas
- Sebaceous carcinomas
- Keratoacanthomas
Talk to your patient about recommendations for a genetics referral.
For assistance locating the nearest genetics service provider, in the New York-Mid-Atlantic Caribbean (NYMAC) Region, search here: Find a Genetics Clinic
Hereditary breast/ovarian cancer
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian
- US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) Recommendations for BRCA-Related Cancer
Hereditary colorectal cancer/polyp syndromes
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment
- Colorectal Evaluations of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP) through the CDC
Multiple cancers
National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) | Find a Genetic Counselor
American Cancer Society (ACS) | A tool developed by NSGC for patients and providers to locate genetic counseling services in North America (U.S. and Canada).
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) | Provides resources regarding cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, support services, and support resources.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) | Professional organization for oncology professionals with resources for providers and patients.
GeneReviews through the NIH | Resource for providers about the diagnosis and management of patients with genetic conditions.
Resources for Providers
Contact Us
NYMAC Administrative Office
124 Front Street
Binghamton, NY 13905
Email: NYMAC@ferre.org