Genetic Testing

An ovarian cancer test, CA125 is a reliable tool when used correctly. That is the message from Roswell Park following an FDA alert regarding the use of this common blood test.

A genetic consultation is often recommended for people who are concerned about their risk for cancer due to a personal or family history of cancer.

While an estimated 5 to 10 percent of all cancers are due to hereditary factors, ovarian cancer is unique—up to 25 percent of these cancers are thought to have a hereditary cause.

A cancer diagnosis isn’t a reason to stop being vigilant when it comes to prevention. In fact, cancer patients have even more reason to be on guard, because they usually have a higher risk for infection or for developing other types of cancer.

Understanding the genetic mutations that cause cancer tumors is one of the most complicated, but promising, aspects of cancer research.

In Roswell Park’s Genetics Services Center we meet with people who have personal and family histories of cancer.