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Hereditary Cancer and Genetic Testing

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Hereditary Cancer

Learn about gene changes called mutations, how inherited mutations can lead to cancer, what types of cancer may be hereditary and how parents can pass gene mutations to their children.

What is Genetic Testing?

Explore information about genetic testing for an inherited mutation, the benefits and limitations of genetic testing and the type of results you might receive.

How to Get Genetic Testing

Review expert guidelines regarding who should consider genetic testing, how to find a genetics expert and how to move forward with testing.

Hereditary Cancer Genes and Risk

Read about different genes that are linked to hereditary cancer and the risks associated with inherited mutations in these genes.

After Testing, Now What?

Learn how to make medical decisions and assemble your health care team once you receive your genetic test results.

Sharing with Family

Discover steps that will help you prepare to communicate your family medical history or genetic test results with relatives.

Risk Management and Treatment

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Screening and Risk Reduction

Review national guidelines for cancer screening and prevention; this information is listed by gene mutation and by cancer type.

Cancer Treatment

Read about cancer treatment options listed by gene mutation, type of cancer and type of treatment.

Reconstruction or Going Flat

Understand options for having breast reconstruction or not after mastectomy.

Menopause

Learn about symptoms and options for managing early menopause caused by cancer treatment or preventive surgery.

Wellbeing and Survivorship

Discover how cancer treatment and prevention affects long-term health, quality of life and emotional well-being; explore options for addressing these issues.

Fertility and Family Planning

Understand the effects of cancer treatment and prevention on fertility and family planning, how pregnancy impacts hereditary cancer risk and options for assisted reproduction.

Research and Clinical Trials

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Why Enroll in Research?

Learn why you should consider enrolling in a research study and your rights and protections as a research participant.

How to Find Studies

These tips and resources will help you locate clinical trials and studies enrolling people like you.

Search and Enroll

Ready to enroll? Our tools will help match you to hereditary cancer detection, prevention and treatment studies.

Help Shape Research

FORCE trains patients who are new to science to use their personal experiences to help guide hereditary cancer research.

Research Collaborations

Learn about ongoing studies, and the role that FORCE, our research advocates, and our partners have played in shaping the research.

Privacy, Policy and Legal Issues

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Laws and Protections

Learn about key laws and legal protections that impact people with, or at increased risk of, hereditary cancer; and, how to file a grievance or complaint.

Public Policy Priorities

See what legislative and regulatory policy issues FORCE is actively engaged in, representing the unique needs of people and families affected by hereditary cancer.

Advocacy Archive

Read about the public policy initiatives that FORCE undertook in the past, ensuring that the voice of the hereditary cancer community was heard.

Advocacy Day

Advocacy Day brings the community together to educate Members of Congress about important issues faced by people with or at increased risk of hereditary cancers.

Support

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Personalized Guidance

Get matched with a Peer Navigator volunteer who shares a similar experience as you for confidential 1:1 phone/email support and receive a free expert-reviewed resource guide.

Support Meetings and Events

Attend support meetings or learn from experts at webinars and conferences. You can ask questions, share your story or just listen.

Message Boards

Our message boards are available 24/7 and are the easiest way to reach out to others who are facing hereditary cancer.

Private Facebook Group

In this group, you can connect with others who are affected by hereditary cancer. Let’s unite and support each other.

Helpline

Peer volunteers return calls within 48 hours and provide nonjudgmental support and resources in English and Spanish. A Genetic Counselor helpline is also available.

Find Healthcare Providers

Locate medical experts who are knowledgeable in cancer genetics.

Insurance and Paying for Care

Find information on insurance coverage and financial assistance for genetic services, risk management and cancer treatment.

Volunteer

FORCE has opportunities for people of our community to get involved in significant ways to raise awareness, provide support or help promote research of hereditary cancer.

Education

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Behind the Headlines (XRAY)

Our XRAY program takes you behind the headlines to bring you reliable information about cancer research-related news and information.

Conference

Joining FORCEs Against Hereditary Cancer is a virtual conference designed to empower individuals and families facing hereditary cancer.

Webinars

Our live and on demand webinars feature presentations by experts on topics of interest and importance to our community.

Blog

Our blogs feature personal perspectives and deep dives into topics of interest to the hereditary cancer community.

Brochures

Order or download our educational materials.

Glossary

Find definitions for commonly used terms.

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FORCE publishes and distributes hundreds of thousands of free educational brochures about hereditary cancer.

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Genetic Testing

Women with Mutations

Men with Mutations

LGBTQIA+ and Cancer

Family History and Outreach

Genetics and Breast Cancer

Genetics and Pancreatic Cancer

I've Tested Positive, Now What?

Information for Healthcare Professionals

Biomarker Testing

Managing Menopause

Genetics and Prostate Cancer

Genetics and Ovarian Cancer

Genetics and Endometrial Cancer

Genetics and Colorectal Cancer

Information for Researchers

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Educational Brochures

FORCE publishes educational brochures about hereditary cancer and our available resources. You may download single copies of our materials below.

What You Should Know About Genes and Cancer

What You Should Know About Genes and Cancer cover

Learn more about hereditary cancer, the warning signs of hereditary cancer, what genetic testing is all about and the resources available to guide you.

The Genes Between Us: Your Guide to Sharing Genetic Test Results with Relatives

Genes Between Us cover

This brochure will guide you through the steps of sharing genetic information with your family, from preparation and what topics to share, to how to make contact and provide support.

Funding and support provided by Pfizer

Lo que debemos saber sobre genes y cáncer

Lo que debemos saber sobre genes y cáncer

En este folleto se presenta información sobre el cáncer hereditario como las señales de advertencia de la enfermedad, de qué se tratan las pruebas genéticas y los recursos de orientación disponibles.

Formas de hablar con su familia sobre el cáncer hereditario

Formas de hablar con su familia sobre el cáncer hereditario

En el folleto Los genes entre nosotros encontrará información sobre cómo comunicar a sus familiares los resultados de pruebas genéticas, desde la preparación y los temas a tratar hasta cómo establecer contacto y brindar apoyo.

Financiamiento y apoyo proporcionados por Pfizer.

Laws Prohibiting Genetic Discrimination

Laws Prohibiting Genetic Discrimination Cover

Get informed about laws that protect individuals from genetic, health insurance and employment discrimination - and where to find additional information and resources.

FORCE Programs

Our Programs brochure cover

Learn about the resources and support that ensure no one must face hereditary cancer alone.

Talking About BRCA in Your Family Tree

Talking About BRCA in your Family Tree cover

This downloadable booklet, from the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Familial Cancer Special Interest Group and FORCE, is intended for parents preparing to discuss a familial BRCA mutation with their children.