Clinical Cancer Genetics Program
Co-Directors
Karen Lu, M.D.
Co-Medical Director
Gynecologic Oncology
Banu Arun, M.D.
Co-Medical Director
Breast Medical Oncology
The Clinical Cancer Genetics Program at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to providing hereditary cancer risk assessment and consultation services.
Approximately 5-10% of cancer is inherited. Individuals with a genetic predisposition will have a far higher chance of developing cancer within their lifetime and at an earlier age. Over the last 15-20 years, great progress has been made in identifying the genes which predispose individuals to cancers such as breast, colorectal, gynecologic and endocrine. Genetic testing can help determine whether a family has a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome. Individuals who have genetically higher risks to develop certain cancers are recommended to follow high-risk cancer surveillance and management. The Clinical Cancer Genetics Program can coordinate genetic testing and high-risk cancer surveillance for individuals and their families with hereditary cancer syndromes.
Our multidisciplinary team is comprised of specially trained genetic counselors and physicians who work together to provide education, hereditary cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling and genetic testing, individualized cancer screening and prevention programs to people who are concerned about their personal and family history of cancer.
News and Events
Miss our Conference on Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Identifying and Managing your At-Risk Patients? Watch our new videos!