Hereditary Cancer Centre - Information for Health Professionals
The Hereditary Cancer Centre (HCC) provides a diagnostic service for individuals with, or at risk of, adult and paediatric hereditary cancer and tumour conditions. Our staff contribute to the multidisciplinary care of oncology patients. Risk assessment, screening and management advice are provided to the client and their referring doctor. Genetic testing is offered where appropriate The HCC offers coordination of the management of individuals at high risk of cancer. Genetic counselling is an integral part of this service. Genetic testing is offered where appropriate. We also see some individuals who have or are at high risk of hereditary endocrine tumour syndromes and hereditary pre-malignant haematological disorders.
The HCC has renowned expertise in the genetics of rare tumours and paediatric cancer. The HCC has been at the forefront in establishing cancer genetics care via the use of Telehealth. The HCC is involved in national and international research to improve care for people with an inherited cancer genetic condition and understanding of hereditary cancer conditions and genomic medicine. Our staff are involved at both the state and national level in the provision of guidelines for the management of hereditary cancer syndromes and policy planning for genetics and genomics.
The Hereditary Cancer Centre also provides:
- referral to the High-Risk Breast Clinic for women identified with a a high risk breast cancer gene mutation.
- a combined Hereditary Endocrine Clinic with the Prince of Wales Hospital Endocrine Department for individuals at high risk of an endocrine tumour.
- an outreach service to St George Hospital, Wollongong Hospital and the ACT.
Who can be referred to use our services?
Patients can be referred to use the services of HCC if they have:
- Been diagnosed cancer or polyps at a young age or have polyposis
- A rare tumour
- A relative diagnosed with a cancer genetic condition or syndrome
- Concerns about their personal and/or family history of cancer, especially when there is a diagnosis of polyposis, rare tumours or cancer affecting the breast, ovary, bowel or gastrointestinal tract or polyps diagnosed in an individual or a blood relative under 50 years of age
- Personal history of high grade non mucinous ovarian cancer or pancreatic adenocarcinoma at any age.
Please see eviQ Referral guidelines: https://www.eviq.org.au/cancer-genetics/referral-guidelines
Referring new patients to our service is quick and easy, simply email or fax a referral letter using one of the following methods:
- complete the HCC referral form
- email: SESLHD-POWHCC@health.nsw.gov.au
- fax: 9382 5170
- phone: 9523 5107
Please attach any relevant documents including, patient history or test results. Upon receipt of the referral our team will ensure that the patient information is triaged and the patient contacted for an appointment.
We have a dedicated team of experienced investigators and clinical researchers. The HCC is also involved in national and international research to improve care for people with an inherited cancer genetic condition and understanding of hereditary cancer conditions and genomic medicine.
Our staff have a strong commitment to the education and preceptorship of medical trainees and genetic counsellors in cancer genetics and are involved at both state and national level in provision of guidelines for the management of hereditary cancer syndromes, and state and national policy planning for genetics and genomics.