Due to a system-wide technology update, we are experiencing extremely high call volume. We appreciate your patience with our operators during this time. Thank you for choosing Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Cancer Syndromes
What are cancer syndromes?
A cancer syndrome is a group of cancers that are seen together in individuals and their families. A cancer syndrome is a genetic condition. This means that the cancer risk and other symptoms of the syndrome can be passed down from generation to generation.
Some clues that suggest a cancer syndrome:
- Two or more relatives with the same type of cancer on the same side of the family
- Cancer diagnosed at an early age
- More than one cancer in the same person
- Cluster of cancers seen in the cancer syndrome, such as breast and ovarian
- A rare cancer, such as sarcoma, seen in two or more family members
Meeting with a genetic counselor can help you to understand if cancers in your family are cancer syndromes.