Certain cancers tend to occur frequently in families. The most well-known of these cancers is likely breast cancer, but prostate cancers as well as colorectal cancers are also part of known cancer groupings in families. About 10% of these families may have an underlying gene which has changed, increasing the likelihood of making a cancer over an individual’s lifetime. By reviewing family history, the likelihood of having a gene in the family can be estimated. If significant, by performing a blood or saliva test, genes associated with cancer can be discovered. If a cancer related gene is found, certain preventative measures can be taken, both in lifestyle and by medical procedures, to decrease the risk of developing a cancer. We can help analyze the family history and determine if testing is indicated for an individual, and also work through how to best decrease the risk of cancer for an individual.