Genetics & risk

One in three Australians will develop cancer in their lifetime, so it's not uncommon for members of the same family to develop unrelated cancers.

For a small number of families, an inherited faulty gene means their risk is much higher. If you're concerned about your family's cancer history, call 13 11 20 or talk to your doctor who can refer you to a family cancer centre.

Specific family cancers:

Breast cancer & genetics

Bowel cancer & genetics

Melanoma & genetics

Ovarian cancer & genetics

Webinar: Breast cancer in my family: what does it mean for me?

Webinar: Challenging Choices: issues for carriers of the BRCA1 &/or BRCA2 gene

Family history of cancer

What constitutes a risky history?

Family cancer centres

Contact details.

Genetic testing

Useful for a small number of families.

Genetic counselling

Available at family cancer centres.

Victorian Family Cancer Register

Confidential database of families at risk.

Web links - family cancer

Sites about genetics and cancer.

Get information

Questions about cancer?

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support call

13 11 20 13 11 20

Information in your
own language call

13 14 50 13 14 50

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cancer nurse

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