Dhmc familial cancer program

Comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Program State-of-the-art, personalized care for patients with lung, esophageal, chest wall, mediastinal and other thoracic cancers. Endocrine Tumors Program Draws on the expertise of many specialties to deliver your care for cancer of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, or other hormone-producing organs.

Familial Cancer Program Provides counseling for people who may have an increased risk of cancer because of their personal or family history. Gastrointestinal Oncology Program Provides care for patients with cancers including colon, rectal, anal , gastric and GE junction, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, liver and bile duct. Genitourinary Oncology Program Treatment for cancers of the urinary tract, bladder, kidney, and male reproductive organs.

Gynecological Cancer Program Provides care for gynecological diseases such as gestational trophoblastic disease, cervical, fallopian tube, ovarian, peritoneal, uterine and vulvar cancers. Head and Neck Cancer Program Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for cancers of the head and neck, including tumors affecting ear, lips, tongue, oral cavity, pharynx and larynx, and sinuses.

Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center One of three federally designated treatment centers in northern New England providing care for pediatric and adult patients with hereditary bleeding disorders. Liver Tumor Clinic Treating patients with primary liver cancer with the newest, most aggressive treatment regimens, symptom management and supportive care. Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program Advanced, research-based care for patients with skin cancers and melanoma.

Pediatric Cancer Program Provides care for children diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. Radiation Oncology Radiation therapy services for patients with a variety of cancers, and who receive radiation alone or combine treatment with surgery or chemotherapy. We provide information about how to modify your lifestyle and reduce your risk for breast cancer.

We work closely with the Familial Cancer Program to determine whether consultation with a genetics counselor would better identify your risk of breast cancer. Our Familial Risk Assessment Program can assess whether you are at risk for a gene alteration that can increase your lifetime risk for breast cancer.

We also collaborate with our medical oncology colleagues at Norris Cotton Cancer Center to determine whether there is any benefit to taking medications that may help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Tumor suppressor genes work to keep cancer from developing. A change in a tumor suppressor gene can interfere with its normal function, and increase the chance of certain cancers.

When many members of a family are diagnosed with cancer, especially at young ages, the cause may be an altered tumor suppressor gene that has been inherited. Most cancers, however, are not inherited. Most cancers occur by chance or are caused by exposure to cancer-causing material, such as tobacco smoke.

Also, some types of cancer are common. Just because someone in your family has had cancer does not necessarily mean you or another family member will inherit cancer.