If members of your immediate family have had cancer, you may be concerned about your risk of cancer and wonder what you can do about it.

In most cases, cancer does not run in families. Only about five to ten percent of cancers are genetic, or inherited. Thanks to recent discoveries about cancer genetics, experts in the Familial Cancer Clinic can help people determine if they have inherited an increased risk for cancer. We also recommend ways to use that information for screening and intervention. 

"The evaluation of a family history for cancer will help us develop screening recommendations and strategies for reducing cancer risk in family members," says Richard King, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Geneticist at the Familial Cancer Clinic.

Mary Ahrens, M.S., C.G.C., Genetic Counselor at the clinic adds: "The knowledge people gain enables them to take action regarding their health rather than waiting and wondering."

On this page:

• About the Familial Cancer Clinic
• Mission Statement
• Staff
• Contact Us

About the Familial Cancer Clinic

The Familial Cancer Clinic is a specialized program that evaluates a family's history of cancer to determine risk and recommends appropriate interventions and screening. A family history and personal medical history are obtained during a clinic visit. In addition, there is a discussion of cancer genetics. It is important that we collect the medical records of family members who have had cancer to confirm the family history. This helps give accurate information for assessing cancer risk. Based on both the family and personal medical history, an individualized program for screening and prevention is discussed, as well as genetic testing, if appropriate. 

Referrals, Fees, and Insurance

The Familial Cancer Clinic does not require a referral from your primary care physician. However, your medical plan or insurance company may require a referral for payment to be covered. We have found that many insurance providers will pay for some or all of these services. After your visit to the Familial Cancer Clinic, the staff will work closely with your primary physician to develop a screening and intervention program that is appropriate for you. 

 

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Mission Statement

The goal of the Familial Cancer Clinic is to identify individuals who have inherited a high risk of cancer and provide them with both screening and preventive treatments that will lead to early detection of cancer and hopefully decrease mortality from cancer. 

Scientists at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview; the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota; and elsewhere around the world continue to look for new genetic markers or indicators of cancer. They are working on new tests to identify these markers. Researchers are also developing better ways to prevent cancer in high-risk individuals. 

The Familial Cancer Clinic will keep you and your primary physician informed of advancements that may be helpful to you. You and your family may also be invited to participate in some of these exciting new research projects. All participation is completely voluntary and is undertaken only after your written consent is obtained. 

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Staff

The links below go to physician profiles on the University of Minnesota Physicians Web site. To return to this site, either bookmark this page or use your browser's back button.

Mary Ahrens, M.S., C.G.C.
A genetic counselor who specializes in helping people evaluate their risk of cancer and provides support for families. 

Richard King, M.D., Ph.D. 
A geneticist who is an expert at assessing cancer family histories and inheritance patterns. 

Susan Petzel, Ph.D. 
A psychologist who specializes in working with cancer patients and their families. 

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Contact Us

Appointments 

For more information about the clinic or to discuss your personal situation, call Mary Ahrens at 612-625-2134. To schedule an appointment, call the Hematology/Oncology Clinic at 612-625-5411. 

E-mail 

Question and comments are welcome! Please Contact Mary Ahrens.

Location

The Familial Cancer Clinic is located in the Masonic Cancer Clinic on the first floor of the Masonic Cancer Center on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota (see map). For directions please call the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview direction line at 612-626-2424. 

U.S. Mail 

Mary J. Ahrens, M.S., C.G.C .
Genetic Counselor 
Familial Cancer Program 
University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview
Mayo Mail Code 485 
420 Delaware Street S.E. 
Minneapolis, MN 55455 

 

 

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