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Department of Clinical Genetics

Approximately 5% of people who develop cancer have a hereditary component to their illness. If you are at risk of developing hereditary cancer, you can be referred to the Hereditary Cancer Clinic for a screening. By collecting data about your family, compiling a family tree, and genetic testing (if necessary), we can check whether you have an increased risk of developing cancer due to your genetics. We will discuss your risk level, and offer advice on periodical screenings and preventive measures.

Your general practitioner or specialist can refer you to us if you have developed cancer at a young age, if you have been diagnosed with cancer multiple times, or if cancer runs in your family.

Genetic screening is covered by all health insurance providers in the Netherlands, and a portion falls under the Own Risk out-of-pocket payment. 

Our team

What can we do for you?

  • During your first consultation, our clinical geneticist will discuss your family history and details. You will have received a questionnaire to fill out before your appointment. This information will help your specialist create a family tree.
  • A specialist will assess your family history and decide whether further testing is needed. If so, you will undergo genetic testing to examine your DNA (genetic material) for gene mutations that can increase the risk of hereditary cancer. 
  • We will inform you about the genetic testing procedure, after which you can decide whether you would like to participate. Together with a specialized social worker, you can reach a decision that is best for you. 
  • If you choose to undergo genetic testing, you will receive your results after a few weeks during a consultation. We can also offer you further advice about screenings or preventive surgeries, if necessary. If you do have an increased risk of developing cancer due to a genetic mutation, we can test other members of your family to assess their risks as well. 

Frequently asked questions about hereditary cancer

How does the screening procedure for hereditary cancer work?

During your first consultation, your clinical geneticist will go over your family medical history and general details with you. You will receive a questionnaire to send in before your appointment. He or she will create a family tree based on your information. Your specialist will try to confirm your medical details by requesting your medical history. Depending on your situation, we may need to come in for an additional examination, such as genetic testing. 

Recommendations and advice

After a few weeks, we will discuss the results of the screening with you during a consultation. We will also consider any potential increased risk you may have, and you will receive recommendations and advice on periodical screenings or preventive surgery for you and/or your family. 

For additional support during this process, please consider contacting our psychologist or social worker specializing in hereditary cancer at the Netherlands Cancer Institute.

After the procedure

If you do have a hereditary increased risk of developing cancer, other members of your family can be tested for this gene mutation as well. If we do not detect a genetic mutation, we might still advise you (and your closest family) to come in for regular screenings.

After your visits to the Hereditary Cancer Center we will give you a written summary of your results. We will send this letter to your general practitioner and specialist.

When should you consider a visit to the Hereditary Cancer Center?

Your general practitioner or specialist can refer you to us if you have developed cancer at a young age, if you have battled cancer multiple times, or if cancer occurs in the family. Genetic screening is covered by all health insurance providers in the Netherlands, and a portion falls under the Own Risk payment, which means that you may have to pay a little bit yourself.

Genetic testing lab HCC

DNA Diagnostics Lab HCC

Disclaimer

This translation was generated automatically based on information in Dutch. It has not been reviewed by a medical specialist. The purpose of this translation is to make our information accessible to non-Dutch speakers. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for medical advice from your treating physician. The Netherlands Cancer Institute cannot guarantee the accuracy of this translation. For medical questions or advice, please consult your physician.

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