The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) Issues Guidance on Risk Assessment for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Click here for a PDF version of this page.*

"Genetic risk assessment for the hereditary cancer syndromes enables physicians to provide individualized and quantified assessment of risk, as well as options for tailored screening and prevention strategies such as surveillance, chemoprevention, and prophylactic surgery that may reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these syndromes. The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) is therefore committed to encourage the medical community to identify women who may benefit from hereditary cancer risk assessment."

Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO)
Position Statement on Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment

Because of the potential impact on clinical care for both patients as well as their close family members, SGO believes:

• Genetic risk assessment is RECOMMENDED for patients with greater than approximately 20%-25% chance of having an inherited predisposition to HBOC and/or Lynch (HNPCC) syndrome.
• Genetic risk assessment is APPROPRIATE for patients with greater than approximately 5%-10% chance of having an inherited predisposition to HBOC and/or Lynch syndrome.

(Click for larger image.)

(Click for larger image.)

*The SGO Committee Statement also states that unaffected patients with a first or second degree relative that meets the above criteria are appropriate for hereditary cancer risk assessment.

Bottom Line: The SGO Position Statement provides guidance to assist in identifying patients who may benefit from risk assessment for hereditary breast, ovarian, colorectal and endometrial cancers. Knowledge of a patient’s predisposition for hereditary cancers can assist in developing tailored screening and prevention strategies, including prophylactic surgical intervention.

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