Where are the Family Cancer Clinics located?

There are many family clinics throughout Australia. To find your nearest one click here

What do family cancer clinics provide?

Family cancer clinics provide counseling and information for families with a history of cancer on:

• Inheriting cancer
• Individual risk 
• Screening 
• Cancer risk reduction strategies 
• They also provide genetic testing where appropriate. The clinics are conducted through the public hospital system and there is no direct cost to the patient for consultation or genetic testing.

Role of genetic counselor in a Family Cancer Clinic?

To learn more from our expert Genetic Counsellor about frequently asked questions. Click here

Women who have a history of breast cancer in their family may be referred to a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor can provide expert information about this complex area: They can help:

• Answer questions about a woman’s family history 
• Provide information about risk of breast cancer based on family history 
• Provide information about management based on the level of risk 
• Discuss the advantages, disadvantages and appropriateness of genetic testing 
• Genetic testing for breast cancer may be suitable for a very small group of women from rare families whose family history suggests a potentially high risk of developing breast cancer. Women from these rare families can have a test to find out if they have inherited a gene fault.

Who attends a family cancer clinic?

Types of families often referred to a clinic are:

• Families with three or more individuals with a specific type of cancer - often breast, ovarian or bowel cancer. 
• Individuals with multiple cancers diagnosed at an unusually young age.

How can you attend a family cancer clinic?

Clinics differ from state to state. To attend a clinic, ask your GP, physician or surgeon to refer you to one most convenient for you. In some states you can telephone direct to self refer. When you attend a clinic you may see a genetic counselor, medical geneticist and other medical specialists depending on the type of cancer.

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