Anja van Rens

I have been working at the Netherlands Cancer Institute since 1991, and have been working at the Hereditary Cancer Clinic as a genetic consultant since 1996. I mainly see young patients with breast or colon cancer at my consultation - patients who have many family members with cancer. We try to find out whether they have a hereditary syndrome.

I discuss the pros and cons of genetic testing with my patients. The results of the test may have consequences for their treatment (like preventive surgery) and their family members. If we detect a hereditary susceptibility in the family, I can guide people in their decisions regarding preventive (presymptomatic) screening.