Ingredients for success: a familial cancer clinic in an oncology practice setting

Genetic cancer risk assessment (GCRA) has become increasingly important in clinical cancer care. Almost all published information on genetic risk assessment has come from academic institutions. However, a majority of patients with cancer are seen in the community practice setting.

We describe the evolution of a community oncology practice GCRA clinic.

Over a 10-year period, 445 patients were seen for a possible genetic cancer syndrome. This included 325 patients with family history of breast or ovarian cancer, 92 patients with family history of colorectal cancer or polyposis, and 28 families with another familial cancer predisposition. Fifty-three unique families with a genetic mutation were identified.

A GCRA clinic can be incorporated into an oncology practice setting and can enhance the standard of care for the entire community. We present data reflecting a 10-year experience with such a clinic and provide recommendations for establishing a successful one.