This page includes links to all the resources on cancer genomics contained within this site. We encourage you to use this information to help MCC member and partner organizations promote cancer genomics awareness and accomplish the MCC Cancer Genomics Goal for 2009-2015.
Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) — Family Health History and Chronic Disease Fact Cards www.migeneticsconnection.org/factcards.shtml
The MDCH Genomics and Genetic Disorders Section offers a variety of genetics-related fact cards, including:
Inside Cancer http://insidecancer.org
This award-winning Web site, operated by the Dolan DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, offers users a multimedia guide to cancer biology. Through animations and expert interviews, visitors learn the hallmarks of cancer, cancer causes and prevention, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and cancer pathways. The site was produced by a grant from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health.
Michigan Department of Community Health — Family History and Your Health Newsletters www.migeneticsconnection.org/familyhealth.shtml
This quarterly newsletter, which has been published since November 2004, is written for the general public and focuses on the role of family history in various chronic conditions. The newsletter promotes family health history awareness in the hopes of reducing the effects and impact of chronic disease on Michigan residents and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Readers are encouraged to copy, print and share each issue with friends, relatives, patients, providers, and other members of the general public.
National Cancer Institute (NCI) — Cancer Genomics: What Does It Mean for You? http://cancergenome.nih.gov/objects/pdfs/TCGA-Genomics-Brochure-508.pdf(available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file)*
This guide provides information about the genomic foundation of cancer, the work of The Cancer Genome Atlas (a landmark research program designed to identify the genomic changes in more than 20 different
types of human cancer), and how that work and knowledge can advance personalized medicine.
NCI — Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Risk: It's Your Choice https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/ncipubs/details.asp?pid=1166
This booklet provides a general overview of testing for breast and ovarian cancer risk. It describes the pros and cons of this kind of testing and explains terms like "family history," "genes," and "genetic testing."
MCGA/MCC Position Paper for Healthcare Providers: Testing for Hereditary Cancer Predisposition Syndromes and Genetic Counseling (November 2009) (available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file)* Summary: Genetic testing for Hereditary Cancer Predisposition Syndromes is a process and should be provided in the context of pre- and post- test genetic counseling. As described in published consensus guidelines and position statements, this process should include patient education, risk assessment, written informed consent prior to testing, psychological support, options for further medical care, and should be performed by those with professional expertise in recognizing the entire scope of Hereditary Cancer Syndromes.
Summary: All women should have a family health history on file, and it should be
reviewed and updated regularly. Family history screening is especially
important in reproductive planning. One common screening tool is the
family history questionnaire, which patients can complete at home,
giving them extra time to contact family members and provide more
accurate information. The other family history tool is known as a
'pedigree,' which ideally goes back three generations and indicates the
ages, health histories, and ethnicities of each family member, as well
as dates and causes of death. Family history screening tools can be
difficult or impossible to obtain for adopted individuals, and their
usefulness may be limited for people with very small families. Although many adult-onset health problems have complex genetic and environmental interactions, obtaining that information in a family history can help patients modify their diet, lose weight, or exercise to improve their outcome or delay the onset of symptoms.
Cancer Family History Guide
The Cancer Family History Guide was created by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Public Health Genomics. This hand-held risk assessment tool is designed to identify patients at risk for two hereditary cancer syndromes: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome and Lynch syndrome (often called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC). It can be used quickly by healthcare providers during limited clinic time. If a significant family history is reported, the guide indicates that: 1) a patient referral for genetic counseling and further evaluation is appropriate, and 2) increased screening and consideration of management options are indicated. MDCH is providing these guides with an instructional card to all Michigan healthcare providers free of charge. If you would like to know more about the Cancer Family History Guide, would like to disseminate it within your health system, or would like a copy for yourself, please contact Jenna McLosky at 517-335-8826 (e-mail: mcloskyj@michigan.gov) or visit www.migeneticsconnection.org/cancer tool.shtml.
A Survey of Genetic Counselors in Michigan (June 2009) (available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file)* Due to scientific advances, increased knowledge of genes and genetic pathways, and increased public awareness of inheritable conditions, the demand for genetic counselors has increased. In order to assess whether capacity meets demand in Michigan, a Web-based survey was sent to all genetic counselors and medical geneticists in Michigan in early 2009. The goal was to develop a detailed profile of genetic counselors currently practicing in the state of Michigan, to provide a means to estimate the demographic profile of clients, the types of services provided to clients, and to assess cost reimbursement for genetic counseling and genetic testing. In addition, genetic counselors who counsel on cancer were surveyed to assess the availability and disposition of genetic counselors to address cancer genetic analysis, referral patterns, and appropriateness of referrals to cancer counseling.
Michigan Department of Community Health — Michigan's Genetics Resource Center www.migeneticsconnection.org
The Genetics Resource Center is a program of the Michigan Department of Community Health, Genomics and Genetic Disorders Section. This Web site is intended to be a one-stop site for genetics information in Michigan. Sections include: Adult Genetics & Chronic Disease; Birth Defects & Folic Acid; Community Involvement; Data & Reports; Events Calendar; Funding & Reimbursement; Genes & Environment; Genetic Health Services; Genetic Literacy; Laboratory Services; Newborn Screening; Policy & Law; Research in Michigan; State Plan; and Support Group Directory. The Genetic Literacy Section provides links to publications, courses, and Web sites that help members of the public and health professionals make the best use of genetic information for preventing disease and improving health, as well as links to resources about family support services for individuals with genetic conditions or other special health needs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Cancer Prevention and Control www.cdc.gov/cancer/
As a leader in nationwide efforts to ease the burden of cancer, the CDC
Division of Cancer Prevention and Control works with national cancer organizations, state health agencies, and
other key groups to develop, implement and promote effective
strategies for preventing and controlling cancer.
National Cancer Institute (NCI) — Cancer Genetics Network http://epi.grants.cancer.gov/CGN
The NCI sponsors the Cancer Genetics Network (CGN), a national network of centers specializing in the study of inherited predisposition to cancer. The resource is available to the research community at large to support studies on the genetic basis of human cancer susceptibility, the integration of this information into medical practice, and the behavioral, ethical, and public health issues associated with human genetics. The growing database has information on 20,100 individuals (15,760 families) with cancer and/or a family history of cancer. Data available to researchers include demographic information, relevant medical history, and a four-generation cancer family history on each enrollee. The population enrolled makes possible research on both common and uncommon tumors. The CGN infrastructure enables studies on genes of moderate and low penetrance, as well as the more easily identified high penetrance genes.
NCI — Office of Cancer Genomics http://ocg.cancer.gov/
The mission of the NCI’s Office of Cancer Genomics (OCG) is to enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cancer, with the ultimate goal of improving the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. This site offers information about the Office of Cancer Genomics and its programs, funding opportunities, resources, and recents news and events.
NCI — Understanding Cancer Genomics www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcancer/cancergenomics
This Web site contains graphic-rich tutorials for educational use by life science teachers, medical professionals, and the interested public. Resources are available in both English and Spanish.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -- U.S. Surgeon General's My Family Health Portrait https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/
This updated and improved version of the Surgeon General’s Internet-based family health history tool makes it easier for consumers to assemble and share family health history information and can also help practitioners make better use of health history information so they can provide more informed and personalized care for their patients. The Surgeon General’s My Family Health Portrait was originally launched in 2004, but the first version was not standards-based. The new tool was developed under Secretary Leavitt’s Initiative on Personalized Health Care. A ready process for organizations to download the family health history code is at https://gforge.nci.nih.gov/projects/fhh. A presentation of sample risk assessment tools under development can be viewed at http://videocast.nih.gov/summary.asp?live=7297.
American Cancer Society (ACS) www.cancer.org
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering, and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States.
Cancer.net www.cancer.net
Supported by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, this Web site offers a wealth of information for health care professionals and patients (including some resources in Spanish). It includes an excellent section on the genetics of cancer and the genetics of specific cancers (i.e., breast cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer). It also contains resources on genetic counseling, genetic testing and sharing results with family.
Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP) www.egappreviews.org/
EGAPP is an initiative launched in 2004 to support a coordinated, systematic process for evaluating genetic tests and other genomic applications that are in transition from research to clinical and public health practice in the United States. The EGAPP Working Group was established in 2005 to support the development of a systematic process for assessing the available evidence regarding the validity and utility of rapidly emerging genetic tests for clinical practice. This independent, multidisciplinary panel prioritizes and selects tests, reviews Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-commissioned evidence reports and other contextual factors, highlights critical knowledge gaps, and provides guidance on appropriate use of genetic tests in specific clinical scenarios.
Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders www.jewishgeneticscenter.org
Over the last 30 years, screening tests for carriers have been developed for many of the identified Jewish genetic disorders. Unfortunately, community-based education efforts have not paralleled scientific advances.The Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders is a critical effort to provide public and professional education and to empower community members to seek out information and prevention strategies. With its current set of sponsors, the Center represents the blending of science with religious, cultural and historical sensitivity and awareness. The Center seeks to become the voice that translates laboratory discoveries into accessible information for the Jewish community at risk, as well as for physicians and other health care providers.
Michigan Cancer Genetics Alliance (MCGA) www.migeneticsconnection.org/cancer
The MCGA is a collaborative network that provides leadership, education and advocacy in issues relating to cancer genetics in Michigan. The organization also promotes research and communication, serves as a resource for expert information, and facilitates translation of cancer genetics research into practice. The MCGA is open to healthcare professionals and members of professional health care organizations that have an interest in cancer genetics and the mission of the MCGA. The MCGA site includes information about the organization and also includes links for the MCGA Directory of Cancer Genetics Service Providers and various cancer genetics resources on the Internet.
*Please Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open, view and print this file once it has been downloaded. If you need a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader, please click here.
