Updated: April 11, 2012
This section addresses the following topics:
Individuals who live in BC/Yukon and may be at increased risk for inherited cancer can be referred to the Hereditary Cancer Program (HCP). Upon referral, services such as genetic counselling, risk assessment, education and surveillance recommendations are available to individuals and families.
Referrals to the Hereditary Cancer Program
Hereditary Cancer Program Referral Form 
This form is used to refer patients from all parts of BC/Yukon. Please print the form, provide all relevant information, and fax it to the appropriate HCP office.
Abbotsford: The Hereditary Cancer Program office in Abbotsford receives and processes referrals for people who wish to have a genetic counselling appointment at the BC Cancer Agency's Centres in Abbotsford and Surrey.
Vancouver: The Vancouver office of the Hereditary Cancer Program receives referrals for patients who wish to have a genetic counselling appointment in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Prince George or by videoconference to many communities across BC/Yukon.
Please note:
- referrals may be made for individuals with or without a personal diagnosis of cancer
- the family history will be assessed by the HCP to identify the type of consultation that is indicated
- appointments can usually be booked within 3 months from the return of a completed Family History Form (sent to the patient by the HCP office)
- genetic testing may or may not be offered in the course of a genetic counselling appointment
1. Anyone from a family with a confirmed mutation in a hereditary cancer gene can be referred for genetic counselling.
2. Pertinent family history may be found either on the maternal or paternal sides of the family, but should be in close relatives* on the same side of the family.
* close relatives include: children, brothers, sisters, parents, aunts, uncles, grandchildren and grandparents. History of cancer in cousins and more distant relatives from the same side of the family may also be relevant.
3. Hallmarks of hereditary cancer include:
- 2 or more closely related family members with the same type of cancer
- a pattern of cancer over at least 2 generations
- cancers diagnosed at an earlier age than expected in the general population
- multiple primary cancers in an individual
- an unusual clustering of cancers
- a pattern of cancers associated with a known hereditary syndrome - see criteria for specific syndromes below
3. Referral may also be made for assessment of a significant family history that does not appear to fit a specific syndrome, or for hereditary cancer syndromes that are not addressed below.
4. Referral criteria for specific hereditary cancer syndromes are described in the next section. These guidelines are modified on an ongoing basis to reflect new information.
5. Questions about whether a referral is appropriate may be directed to:
Mary McCullum, Nurse Educator, Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer Agency
Phone: (604) 877-6000 ext. 2325
Fax: (604) 707-5931
Email: HCP Information
Hereditary Breast and/or Ovarian Cancer
Lynch Syndrome / Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)
Polyposis Syndromes (includes FAP)
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN1, MEN2, FMTC)
von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome
Hereditary Paraganglioma/Pheochromcytoma Syndromes
Melanoma-Pancreatic Cancer Syndrome
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (p53)
Information about other hereditary cancer syndromes can be found at: www.genetests.org
Expedited/Urgent Referrals to HCP
Reasons to request hereditary cancer assessment on an expedited basis include:
- patient is eligible for carrier testing - specific hereditary cancer gene mutation has already been identified in a close relative (report required)
- unstable health status of family "index" case - prompt storage of a blood sample may be indicated
- genetic test results will impact patient's immediate clinical management - see Expedited BRCA1/2 index testing for additional information
Requests for urgent assessment are reviewed promptly by HCP staff. The referring physician will be contacted if additional information is required to support the request, OR to explain why the HCP is unable to provide an expedited appointment.
Urgent DNA Storage Top
Storage of a blood sample may be indicated on an urgent basis when the health of an affected "index" patient is of concern. The goal of storing a blood sample is to allow for the possibility of future hereditary cancer genetic testing in a family. No testing is done on a stored blood sample until the appropriate family member has had genetic counselling and completed an informed consent process.
When possible, Hereditary Cancer Program (HCP) staff should be contacted to provide the required paperwork and plan for appropriate follow-up. If HCP staff are not available, a referring physician can print and use the Urgent DNA Storage Requisition and Consent Form.