Session: Genetics 101

Speaker: Rebecca Sutphen, MD

This 90-minute concurrent session will review the basics of hereditary cancer syndromes
including discussions on the different types of hereditary syndromes and mutations that
can lead to cancer within a family; the types of genetic tests available for these syndromes;
cancer risks associated with different hereditary syndromes, why hereditary cancers are
different from sporadic cancers, how hereditary cancers develop, and answer questions
about individual mutations. Dr. Sutphen will discuss:

• basic information about hereditary cancer syndromes, genetic testing, and genetic mutations
• differences between hereditary and sporadic cancers
• age-associated cancer risks for BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 and other mutations
• other factors that may effect cancer risk

This session is appropriate for:

• people with cancer in the family who never had genetic counseling
• people making the decision whether or not to undergo genetic testing
• people who have had genetic testing but do not understand what the results mean
  for themselves or their family
• patient advocates and support group facilitators who work with survivors, people
  with a BRCA mutation, and people with hereditary cancer in the family
• parents/caretakers/loved ones of people with a BRCA mutation or hereditary cancer in the family
• health care providers seeking basic information about hereditary cancer and genetics
  

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