The Hereditary Cancer Program is a result of the BC Cancer Agency and the BC Provincial Medical Genetics Program working together to provide information and genetic counselling for individuals and families with a strong history of cancer.

Educating doctors, nurses and other health care providers in BC/Yukon about hereditary cancer is an important part of our work. As this is still quite a new field, research about all aspects of hereditary cancer is another key aspect of the program.

How are referrals made to the Hereditary Cancer Program?

A referral to the Hereditary Cancer Program is for genetic counselling and is usually made by a doctor. Referrals are accepted at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Centre for people from anywhere in BC/Yukon. People who live on Vancouver Island may be referred to the Medical Genetics Clinic at the Victoria General Hospital. Our office at the BC Cancer Agency's new Abbotsford Centre accepts referrals and provides appointments for people who live in that area.

How can I get more information?

If you have specific questions about your personal or family history of cancer, and wonder about a referral to the Hereditary Cancer Program, you can contact Mary McCullum, Nurse Educator, at 604.877.6000, local 2325 or mmccullum@bccancer.bc.ca.

Information about genetic counselling and genetic testing can be found on the next page.

The Canadian Cancer Society's website includes a section called Family Genetics. It can be found at www.cancer.ca - follow the links to prevention, then select family genetics.

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