Press Release
For Immediate Release

Friday, October 13, 2006

Exeter Hospital to Offer High Risk Cancer Genetic Screening Clinics in Collaboration with Dana Farber Cancer Institute

The Center for Cancer Care at Exeter Hospital is now offering a High Risk Cancer Genetic Screening Clinic for individuals concerned about the risk of an inherited cancer. This clinic is offered in collaboration with New Hampshire Oncology Hematology, P.A., and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. As part of this service, a team of genetic counselors and an oncologist will assess individuals and their family history to determine the possibility of a genetic cancer predisposition and to offer genetic testing if appropriate.

A person’s family medical history can hold very important information about their potential risk for developing certain cancers. About 5 – 10 percent of ovarian, breast, colorectal and prostate cancers are inherited, as well as some rare cancers.During an appointment at the Genetic Screening Clinic, a patient and their family will meet with a certified genetic counselor (CGC) at the Center for Cancer Care. The counselor will review medical and family history to construct a generation cancer pedigree. Information regarding risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing will be reviewed. The genetic counselor will offer genetic testing at the time of the appointment, if appropriate. If testing is pursued, a second appointment is scheduled to review results and options for risk reduction. For more information, call the Genetic Screening Clinic coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at (603) 580-7129.