Administrative Office
1611 NW 12 Ave.
Holtz Center, Suite 3003
Miami, FL 33136
Tel: (305) 585-5130
Fax: (305) 355-1187
The Center for Cancer Prevention and Genetics
The Center for Cancer Prevention and Genetics at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital is dedicated to identifying and managing individuals and families with increased cancer risks. Approximately 5-10% of all cancer is due to an inherited susceptibility. Up to 20% of all cases of cancer may have some familial component.
The goal of our center is to provide families with information and guidance about early detection, cancer risk reduction and prevention for those at increased risk. Our Center is the only one of its kind in Miami-Dade and Broward providing multidisciplinary evaluation for all types of familial cancer syndromes. The Center is directed by Dr. Joseph Lucci, III, and includes individuals formally trained and board certified in Genetics, operating closely with specialists in Oncology and Surgery.
Risk Assessment/Genetic Counseling, Testing and Management
Why would someone want to know his or her risk of developing cancer?
In some cases, this information may help an individual and his or her physician take steps to detect cancer early and, when possible, prevent it. In others, it may help relieve uncertainties about cancer risk.
What is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling is a communication process between a health professional and an individual concerning the risk and impact of genetic conditions in a family. Cancer genetic counseling involves collaboration of both oncology and genetic specialists, to help individuals and families understand the complex issues involved in inherited cancer susceptibility and to explore methods of early detection and prevention for those at risk.
What is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing involves analysis of a blood sample, or in some cases a tumor specimen to identify changes within the DNA. The benefits and limitations of this testing are discussed in detail during genetic counseling.
Cancer Genetic Counseling Services Include:
- Detailed family and medical history review
- Education about the general nature of cancer including inherited cancer syndromes
- Risk assessment
- Discussion of genes involved in cancer syndromes
- Explanation and Interpretation of genetic testing
- Referrals to resources for follow-up care
- Referral or recommendation for research studies
- Written summary to referring physicians with guidelines
- Written summary and genetic testing results to patients
Who may benefit from genetic counseling?
Individuals with concerns about the occurrence of their own cancer, and/or their family history of cancer.
How can learning my hereditary risk help me?
While treatment for cancer is advancing, thousands still die of this disease. The key to fighting cancer is to detect it at an early stage. In addition, there may be options for reducing the risk of certain cancers. Awareness of one's risk may increase a person's willingness to be proactive in their screening and surveillance. Genetic counseling can help identify those families in need of increased cancer surveillance.
What Could Indicate That Someone Might be At Hereditary Risk for Cancer?
Cancer is a common disease. Thus it is expected that families will have one or more relatives with some form of cancer. Nevertheless, several clues exist to suggest hereditary cancer in a family.
These clues include:
- Cancer at an early age (below 50)
- More than one generation with cancer
- Same cancer in at least two closely related relatives
- Breast cancer in both breasts or in a man
- More than one cancer in the same person
- Rare cancers in the same side of the family
- Breast and ovarian cancer in the same side of the family
- Colon and uterine cancer in the same side of the family
