Genetic Counseling Unit
"10% of the population can develop cancer due to hereditary factors. Detecting the genetic alterations that cause it would help to prevent new cases in the family".
DR. Mª TERESA HERRAIZ BAYOD DIRECTOR. GENETIC COUNSELING UNIT
The aim of the Genetic Counseling Unit of the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra is to detect, from a transversal and multidisciplinary point of view, whether its patients have a hereditary predisposition to cancer.
Approximately 10% of the population, although it will vary depending on the type of tumor, may develop cancer in relation to a genetic alteration inherited from their parents.
These inherited genetic alterations can be transmitted from parents to children, which means that there may be a hereditary component in some types of cancer. Knowing whether you are a carrier of a certain mutation will offer you the opportunity to prevent the onset of cancer, or to diagnose it early, in this case increasing the chances of a cure. In addition, certain genetic alterations may provide information on the possibility of accessing specific treatments.
If there is a family history of cancer or if you are concerned about a genetic predisposition, we recommend that you consult our Unit. Knowing this genetic information will allow us to design tailor-made surveillance programs in a context of precision diagnosis that will allow us to know the implications for both the patient and the family.
How do we work in the Genetic Counseling Unit?
Medical team
We have a team of professionals with extensive experience in the evaluation of patients with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes.
Nursing team
Specialized in obtaining information from the patient to design a family tree, and accompanying the patient and family members during all phases of the process.
Psycho-oncology Team
A team of psychologists specialized in providing support to the patient and their family throughout the entire procedure.
Can cancer be inherited?
There are families in which there is a genetic predisposition to have cancer, leading to an increased risk compared to the general population.
How is the study conducted?
First, a family tree is created to gather all relevant family history.
Subsequently, through a blood analysis, genetic alterations that increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer can be identified.
What risk do my relatives have?
In many hereditary syndromes, the probability that your children have inherited it is 50%.
Furthermore, the study is also relevant for other relatives who may have the same alteration.
What happens if I have a genetic alteration?
If it is confirmed that you have a higher risk of developing cancer, your doctors will recommend the necessary tests to prevent its occurrence or diagnose it early, thereby increasing the chances of a cure.
Our team of professionals
