Cancer Predisposition & Prevention
Understand your inherited risk of cancer. Build your prevention plan. Stay supported for life.
An inherited genetic change can increase your risk of developing one or more types of cancer. Understanding that risk can help you make informed decisions about screening, prevention and your health.
At IU Health, we provide comprehensive, coordinated care for individuals and families with an inherited risk of cancer. Our team will help you understand your risk and develop a personalized plan based on the latest national guidelines.
We will continue to support you over time, updating your plan as guidelines change and as your personal and family history evolves.
Who this program serves
Our program cares for individuals and family members with an inherited genetic change that increases the risk of cancer. Common hereditary cancer syndromes and associated genes include:
- Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome: BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, CHEK2, PALB2
- Lynch syndrome: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and EPCAM
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome: TP53
- Hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma syndromes: SDHA, SDHB, SDHC and SDHD
We also care for people with inherited variants in other cancer-associated genes, including PTEN, STK11, CDH1, RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1, HOXB13, CDKN2A, BAP1, FH, FLCN, VHL, RET and others.
Our Approach to Care
At IU Health, we provide comprehensive, coordinated care for individuals and families with an inherited risk of cancer. Our team will help you understand your risk and develop a personalized plan based on the latest national guidelines.
We will continue to support you over time, updating your plan as guidelines change and as your personal and family history evolves.
Who this program serves
Our program cares for individuals and family members with an inherited genetic change that increases the risk of cancer. Common hereditary cancer syndromes and associated genes include:
- Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome: BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, CHEK2, PALB2
- Lynch syndrome: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and EPCAM
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome: TP53
- Hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma syndromes: SDHA, SDHB, SDHC and SDHD
We also care for people with inherited variants in other cancer-associated genes, including PTEN, STK11, CDH1, RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1, HOXB13, CDKN2A, BAP1, FH, FLCN, VHL, RET and others.
Your First Appointment
Before your first appointment, our team will review your available medical records, genetic test results and family history.
During your visit, you will meet with an IU Health oncologist and genetic counselor. Together, we will:
- Explain your genetic test results and what they may mean for you and your family
- Review your individual risks for different types of cancer
- Develop a personalized screening and cancer risk reduction plan
- Discuss lifestyle choices that may help support your overall health
- Coordinate imaging, laboratory testing, procedures and referrals when needed
- Provide information and resources for family members who may also be at risk
Your first appointment will last approximately 1 hour. Your visit will take place at IU Health Joe and Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel. Visit the cancer center page to learn more about parking, amenities, services offered at the cancer center.
Ongoing Care
Hereditary cancer risk management is a lifelong process. Most patients return annually to meet with their oncologist and genetic counselor. During these visits, we will review your health, family history, laboratory results and imaging, and update you on the changes in the screening and management guidelines.
Between annual visits, you may also receive care or follow-up communication from an advanced practice provider, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Services available through the program include:
- Personalized cancer-risk assessment
- Detailed medical and family-history review
- Physical examination
- Individualized cancer screening and prevention recommendations
- Ordering and coordination of appropriate imaging, procedures and laboratory tests
- Referrals to specialists
- Guidance on nutrition, exercise and other healthy lifestyle choices
What to Expect
Your First Appointment
Before your first appointment, our team will review your available medical records, genetic test results and family history.
During your visit, you will meet with an IU Health oncologist and genetic counselor. Together, we will:
- Explain your genetic test results and what they may mean for you and your family
- Review your individual risks for different types of cancer
- Develop a personalized screening and cancer risk reduction plan
- Discuss lifestyle choices that may help support your overall health
- Coordinate imaging, laboratory testing, procedures and referrals when needed
- Provide information and resources for family members who may also be at risk
Your first appointment will last approximately 1 hour. Your visit will take place at IU Health Joe and Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel. Visit the cancer center page to learn more about parking, amenities, services offered at the cancer center.
Ongoing Care
Hereditary cancer risk management is a lifelong process. Most patients return annually to meet with their oncologist and genetic counselor. During these visits, we will review your health, family history, laboratory results and imaging, and update you on the changes in the screening and management guidelines.
Between annual visits, you may also receive care or follow-up communication from an advanced practice provider, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Services available through the program include:
- Personalized cancer-risk assessment
- Detailed medical and family-history review
- Physical examination
- Individualized cancer screening and prevention recommendations
- Ordering and coordination of appropriate imaging, procedures and laboratory tests
- Referrals to specialists
- Guidance on nutrition, exercise and other healthy lifestyle choices
Our prevention specialists conduct research to improve care for individuals and families with an inherited risk of cancer. You may be invited to participate in a research study which could involve completing surveys, providing a blood sample or participating in other research activities.
Research Opportunities
Our prevention specialists conduct research to improve care for individuals and families with an inherited risk of cancer. You may be invited to participate in a research study which could involve completing surveys, providing a blood sample or participating in other research activities.