Hereditary Cancer and Genetic Testing > How To Get Testing > Testing Guidelines > Melanoma > Guidelines for Testing
Guidelines for genetic testing in people diagnosed with melanoma
People diagnosed with melanoma may have an inherited mutation that caused their cancer. Experts recommend that people who have been diagnosed with melanoma should speak with a genetics expert about genetic testing if they have any of the following:
- diagnosed with three or more melanomas.
- three or more diagnoses of melanoma, pancreatic cancer, astrocytoma, uveal melanoma (melanoma in the eyes) and/or mesothelioma within their family.
See our sections Testing Guidelines by Cancer Type and Genetic Testing for People Who Have Never Been Diagnosed with Cancer for additional guideline information.
- The American Academy of Dermatologists has a tool to find dermatologists by expertise, location or procedure.
- Aim At Melanoma Foundation has a lookup tool for finding melanoma experts by location.
- If you learn that you are at high risk for melanoma, you may also need to see an ophthalmologist who can screen for melanoma in your eyes. The website for the American Academy of Ophthalmologists has a search feature to help you find an expert in your area.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers deliver cutting-edge cancer care to patients in communities across the United States. Most centers have specialized screening and prevention centers for high risk people. Find a center near you and learn about its specific research capabilities, programs, and initiatives.
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards to get referrals from other members. Once you register, you can post on the Find a Specialist board to connect with other people who share your situation.
updated: 12/21/2022
Health care providers who are specially trained in genetics can help you more clearly understand your risk for . The following resources can help you locate a genetics expert in your area.
- The National Society of Genetic Counselor website offers a searchable directory for finding a genetic counselor by state and specialty. To find a genetic counselor who specializes in cancer genetics, choose "cancer" under the options "Area of Practice/Specialization."
- InformedDNA is a network of board-certified genetic counselors providing this service by telephone. They can also help you find a qualified expert in your area for face-to-face genetic counseling if that is your preference.
- JScreen is a national program based out of Emory University that provides low-cost at-home genetic counseling and testing with financial assistance available.
- Grey Genetics provides access to genetic counselors who offer genetic counseling by telephone.
- The Genetic Support Foundation offers genetic counseling with board-certified genetic counselors.
- FORCE's toll-free helpline at: 866-288-RISK, ext. 704 will connect you with a volunteer board-certified genetic counselor who can answer general questions about genetic testing and cancer and help you find a genetics expert near you.
- FORCE Peer Navigator Program will match you with a volunteer who has undergone genetic counseling and can help you navigate resources to find a genetic counselor near you.
- Ask your doctor for a referral to a genetics expert.
updated: 03/16/2022