
Family cancer clinics provide an assessment of a family history of cancer and give information and support to help individuals and families regarding a personalised level of cancer risk, recommendations regarding how you can manage any increased cancer risk such as surveillance programs, understanding the chance a hereditary gene may be involved in causing your family history, and facilitating genetic testing where appropriate.
Most Family Cancer Clinics are part of the public hospital system, however there are some private cancer genetic service providers. As this is a specialist area of medicine, they need a referral from a GP or other specialist doctor. There is no cost for Family Cancer Clinic services in the public system.
- Who needs to attend a family cancer clinic?
There are National Guidelines regarding the eligibility for referral to a Family Cancer Clinic. This does not mean all these people have an increased cancer risk or require a genetic test. It is rather to help triage families who may benefit from a more detailed assessment of their family health history.
- Where are the clinics located?
Public Family Cancer Clinics – There are public family cancer clinics throughout Australia. Public genetic services offer genetic testing if there is a significant chance of finding a fault (usually over 10%). Click here for your closest family cancer clinic.
Private Cancer Genetic Service Providers – If you or your family are not eligible for public genetic testing, there are private services. Below is a list of private cancer genetic service providers. Please contact each service for their referral requirements and consultation charges. Some services may provide bulk-billed telehealth consultations.
New South Wales
Sydney Cancer Genetics
Dr Hilda High
PO Box 845
Broadway NSW 2007
Phone: 02 8964 9977
Fax: 02 8095 9421
Email: info@sydneycancergenetics.com.au
Website: www.sydneycancergenetics.com.au
Queensland
Brisbane Genetics
Dr Michael Gattas
Wesley Medical Centre
Suite 28, Level 2, 40 Chasely Street
Auchenflower QLD 4066
Phone: 07 3217 8244
Fax: 07 3217 8255
Website: www.brisbanegenetics.com.au
The Mendel Institute
A/Prof Michael Gabbett
Prescribe Specialist Group
19 Longland Street, Newstead, QLD 4006
Phone: 07 3193 7780
Email: admin@mendelinstitute.com.au
Website: www.mendelinstitute.com.au
South Australia
Dr Jaqui Adams
Adelaide Haematology and Oncology
Phone: 08 8463-2500
Website: www.aoah.com.au
Western Australia
Sarah O’Sullivan
WOMEN Centre
Suite 20, 2 McCourt Street
West Leederville WA 6007
Phone: 08 9468 5188
Email: genetics@womencentre.com.au
Website: www.womencentre.com.au