Hereditary Cancers

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Michigan. Cancer can be Sporadic or Hereditary. Sporadic cancer is a random event that happens by chance and accounts for most cases of cancer. Hereditary cancer runs in families and is caused by specific changes (mutations) in a person’s genes. About 10% of cancers are thought to have a hereditary cause. With proper screening, some cancers can be treated more successfully or completely prevented. Family history is the single strongest risk factor for cancer. View the resources below to find out more about inherited cancer risk or cancer genomics in the state of Michigan.

Highlighted Resources

Informed Consent for Genetic Testing

The Informed Consent for Genetic Testing booklet was created to provide patient education about genetic testing so the most informed decision can be made about submitting a sample for testing.

MDHHS Cancer Genomics Program

Michigan’s Cancer Genomics Program provides information about hereditary cancer syndromes, such as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Lynch Syndrome. Resources for patients, patient advocates, health care providers, and professionals are available.