Selection of Germline Genetic Testing Panels in Patients with Cancer

Publication Date: May 17, 2024
Last Updated: May 17, 2024

Diagnosis

Family History Collection

 Recommendation 1.1

All patients should have a family history taken and recorded. (NR, S)
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Recommendation 1.2

  • Patients should be asked to provide the following information as part of this family history. Patients may not have complete information, but that should not be considered an impediment to asking these questions. Only information about biologic relatives is pertinent.
  • Does the patient know of any cancers in any first-degree biological relatives:
  • siblings, parents, children?
  • Does the patient know of any cancers in any second-degree biological relatives (on both maternal and paternal sides): grandparents, aunts, uncles, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, half siblings?
  • For each cancer in the family, ask for the following details: Type of primary cancer(s); age at cancer diagnosis for each primary cancer; were multiple cancers of one type involved (e.g., bilateral breast cancer or multiple colon cancer primaries)?
  • Does the patient know of any relative who has had germline genetic testing for cancer predisposition, and if so, what were the results?
  • What is the patient’s ethnicity?
(NR, S)
Qualifying statements:
  • The gender assigned at birth of biological relatives is important to the family history.
  • Where it is possible and time permits, information on third-degree relatives (e.g., cousins), consanguinity, and personal and family history of colon polyps can help inform genetic testing and counseling, especially with interpretation of results.
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Overview

Title

Selection of Germline Genetic Testing Panels in Patients with Cancer

Authoring Organization

American Society of Clinical Oncology