Cancer Genetics Clinic

The Mater Private Cancer Genetics Service is Ireland’s first Onco-Genetics Clinic providing Hereditary Cancer Risk Counselling and Genetic Testing in line with best international practice.

The service allows individuals and their consultants to take a pro-active approach to the detection and treatment of hereditary cancers.

The Cancer Genetics Service at the Mater Private Hospital offers education about and testing for hereditary cancer risk to you and your family.

There are two key elements to our service: Hereditary Cancer Risk Counselling and Genetic Testing.

The aim of the Mater Private Cancer Genetics Clinic is to identify individuals with genetic predisposition to cancer through genetic testing and to promote the prevention or early diagnosis of cancer in individuals with an increased risk of cancer due to an inherited cause.

The service allows indivduals and their consultants to take a pro-active approach to the detection and treatment of hereditary cancers. 

The Cancer Genetics Service can address questions such as:

• What are the latest medical and surgical options for prevention or early detection of hereditary forms of cancer?
• What are the latest medical and surgical options for prevention or early detection of hereditary forms of cancer?
• Are the treatments for hereditary cancers different from those for nonhereditary cancers?
• If I am at an increased risk for cancer, what will the risk for my family be?
• Am I eligible to receive genetic testing as part of a clinical research study?
• What are the options for medical insurance coverage or reimbursement for hereditary cancer risk counselling and genetic testing?

Would the Mater Private Cancer Genetics Service be of assistance to me? 

Here are some important questions for you to consider. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, the service may be useful for you:

• Have you or a close relative been diagnosed with cancer at an early age?
• Do you have more than one relative with the same type of cancer? If yes, is the same type of cancer found in more than one generation?
• Has any one person in your family had more than one type of cancer?
• Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with bilateral (both sides) cancer of paired organs (e.g., breasts, ovaries, kidneys)?
• Are you related to someone who is known to have an inherited mutation that can cause cancer?
   

How will the Mater Private Cancer Genetics Service address my questions and concerns?

The Mater Private Cancer Genetics Service will treat your concerns with sensitivity and support. We understand that many factors must be considered when discussing cancer risk, including your personality, coping style, and your family’s experience with cancer. Our counsellors and staff will tailor each consultation to fit your specific needs.

Cancer Risk Counselling

Cancer risk counselling involves a discussion of your personal and/or family history of cancer. It helps you and your Consultant decide if genetic testing is the best option for you or the alternatives available to you.

What is discussed during a cancer risk counselling session?

The goal of cancer risk counselling is to provide clear and clinically relevant information about genetic cancer risk factors, in an atmosphere of support and education. Your initial session will focus on you and your family’s history of cancer.

From the information gathered, we are specifically trained to develop a “pedigree” which helps us trace your family history of cancer. A “pedigree” is a family tree with information about the occurrence of cancer in your family, the types of cancer and the age of the person affected. This helps us look at patterns and trends which can give an indication as to your risk.

As part of a hereditary cancer risk counselling session you will learn about and discuss:

• The risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing
• The latest advances in cancer genetics
• Personalised cancer screening recommendations and referrals
• Your individual cancer risk assessment
• Referrals to clinicians who provide psychological counselling for individuals and families who need assistance to cope with the challenges that may arise in counselling and testing
• Options for participating in research programmes to grow our knowledge for the benefit of future generations
   

Who should have hereditary cancer risk counselling?

Counselling is typically recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer at unusually young ages or who have multiple family members who have been diagnosed with cancer. If you are interested in learning about your hereditary risk for cancer, you are welcome to schedule an appointment.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing involves the use of laboratory testing techniques to obtain a more precise estimate of your risk of developing cancer.
A cancer risk assessment can be provided by developing your ‘pedigree’, however actual genetic testing may in some cases help clarify your cancer risk.

Genetic test results may help you and your Consultant make important decisions about your medical care. Deciding whether or not to have genetic testing is a personal choice that can be made at the time of the counselling session or at a future date.

Does hereditary cancer risk counselling require genetic testing?

No. Genetic testing may not be useful for everyone receiving counselling. You may also decide after the counselling that genetic testing is not for you.

What is the risk of discrimination if a person has cancer genetic testing?

During your visit, you can learn about the current status of Irish and International legislation in the area of genetic testing. Such risk exists in theory but this should not be seen as a barrier to hereditary cancer risk counselling, but rather as part of the decision making process on having genetic testing.

The Mater Private Cancer Genetics Clinic is now open to referrals. 

The clinic can be contacted at 01 8858433, Dr. David Gallagher, Medical Oncologist and Medical Geneticist, can be contacted at 01 8858883 and Mr. Michael Farrell, Genetics Counsellor, at 01 8858398.