Cancer Risk Assessment & Genetic Counseling
What is the HOPE Program?
The HOPE (Hereditary Oncology Prevention and Evaluation) Program is designed for anyone who is concerned about his or her risk of developing cancer based on family history or personal medical history.
The HOPE Program team addresses the unique needs of high-risk cancer patients and families. Follow-up visits may be recommended based on discussion and recommendations at your initial appointment and after review of your individual information by the team. Let our team of cancer specialists help you assess and
manage your potential or existing cancer risk.
What Does the HOPE Program Provide?
- Access to top cancer specialists, in a setting close to home
- Up-to-the-minute medical and genetic information
- Genetic counseling and testing on site at CINJ Hamilton
- Social support and resources for those with cancer risk
- Personalized medical options and strategies
- Discussions about federal and state laws that protect you from genetic discrimination.
Are You At Risk?
The HOPE Program is designed for anyone concerned about hereditary cancer risk. If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, the HOPE Program can help.
Do you have:
- Relatives diagnosed with cancer at an age younger than 50?
- Several relatives with the same type of cancer, or related cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers or colon and endometrial cancers?
- At least two generations affected with cancer and/or pre-cancerous lesions?
- A relative with a rare or hereditary cancer such as pancreatic cancer or ovarian cancer?
- A personal history of several different types of cancer?
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
To learn about your risk or to schedule an appointment, call the Cancer Genetics Program Coordinator
at (609) 584-2836.
For information about any of the cancer services available at CINJ Hamilton, call (609) 631-6960.
A Message From Our Directors
Michael Eleff, MD, Medical Director of CINJ Hamilton and board certified medical oncologist, applauds the HOPE Program’s mission: “Management of cancer extends beyond the disease. It includes a tremendous level of support from nurses, social workers, family members, and caregivers, as well as physicians. RWJ Hamilton and CINJ Hamilton have long embraced this philosophy of care.”
Deborah Toppmeyer, MD, Medical Director of the LIFE Center at CINJ in New Brunswick, is a medical hematologist/oncologist and professor of medicine at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She notes, “It is our goal to teach the importance of early detection and encourage individuals to adopt prevention and screening strategies as part of their lifestyle.”
How Can the HOPE Program Help You?
Risk Assessment: Based on your family history, medical factors, environmental factors, reproductive history, and lifestyle choices, the HOPE Program provides up-to-the-minute information about your
individual cancer risk. When appropriate, on-site genetic testing is available to assess your cancer risk.
Genetic Counseling: Board certified genetic counselors meet with you to discuss your risk factors as they relate to your family history, plus health management strategies and options. If you pursue genetic testing, you will receive comprehensive pre- and post-test counseling.
On-Site Genetic Testing: If your family history suggests an inherited cancer risk, genetic testing may be available to further define your risk and the risk to your family. Comprehensive pre- and post-test counseling is provided.
Education: The HOPE Program is a tremendous educational resource, offering information about different risk factors for cancer, inherited cancer risks, genetic testing, and health management options.
Physical Exam: This may be required at the time of your visit or you may be referred to a healthcare specialist.
Follow-up Plan: Based on your risk assessment, the team designs a personalized monitoring plan for you and your primary care physician. You may also choose to continue to be seen at CINJ Hamilton.
Clinical Studies: The HOPE Program offers access to appropriate clinical studies that evaluate new methods for the early detection of cancer, cancer prevention, cancer treatment, and genetic testing. You will learn about eligibility, benefits, and limitations of available trials.
Psychosocial Support: Social workers and genetic counselors help you address the unique issues involved with assessing and managing your cancer risk.
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