Understanding Hereditary Cancer Risk, and How Kadance Supports Members

Cancer is influenced by many factors, including environmental, lifestyle, and age. In some cases, however, risk is inherited through changes in DNA. These inherited genetic mutations can increase the likelihood of certain cancers appearing in families, sometimes across multiple generations.¹

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Kadance offers the Hereditary Cancer Risk Test to all members, providing insights into inherited cancer risk and helping guide proactive healthcare decisions.

What Is Hereditary Cancer?

Hereditary cancers occur when mutations in genes controlling cell growth, division, and repair are passed from parent to child. While carrying a mutation does not guarantee cancer, it can significantly increase risk. For example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations are strongly associated with breast and ovarian cancers.²

How Mutations Are Inherited

Inherited mutations follow a simple pattern: each person receives one copy of every gene from each parent. If a parent carries a cancer-related mutation, there is a 50% chance it will pass to the child.³ Over generations, these mutations can lead to family clusters of certain cancers.

Signs of Potential Hereditary Cancer

Certain factors may suggest inherited risk:

• Multiple relatives with the same or related cancers
• Early-age diagnoses of cancer
• Rare cancer types appearing in the family
• Individuals with multiple primary cancers⁴ 

Common Hereditary Cancers

Hereditary mutations often increase risk for:

• Breast and ovarian cancers (HBOC)⁵
• Colorectal cancer, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)⁶
• Syndromes like Lynch syndrome, raising risk for endometrial, ovarian, stomach, and other cancers⁷

The Importance of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing can confirm whether a person carries mutations associated with a higher cancer risk and can help guide screening, preventive measures, and treatment decisions. Genetic counselors and healthcare providers ensure results are interpreted accurately and actionable steps are recommended.¹

Kadance’s Hereditary Cancer Risk Test

All Kadance members have access to the optional Hereditary Cancer Risk Test, which can be easily completed at home using a buccal swab. This convenient approach allows members to provide a DNA sample without visiting a clinic, making it simple to gain valuable insights. The test offers:

1. Convenient at-home collection via a buccal swab.
2. Personalized prevention through early detection and risk awareness.
3. Family impact, enabling relatives to consider their own risk.
4. Support for next steps, including counseling, screenings, and preventive strategies.

Taking Control of Your Health

Hereditary cancer risk provides critical insights into personal and family health. With the Kadance Hereditary Cancer Risk Test, members can take proactive steps toward informed care, early detection, and meaningful prevention. When appropriate, genetic counselors work with members to interpret results and may help develop a personalized action plan tailored to their specific risk and family history.

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Members who complete the test have access to genetic counseling at no additional cost. Certified genetic counselors are healthcare professionals with specialized training in genetics, counseling, and risk assessment. They typically hold a master’s degree in genetic counseling, have completed rigorous clinical training, and are board-certified. Their role is to help members understand test results, assess hereditary cancer risk, discuss preventive options, and provide guidance for family members who may also be at risk.

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By combining the at-home DNA test with expert counseling, Kadance members gain valuable genetic insights and personalized support to manage their health and make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

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Sources:

¹National Cancer Institute. (2024, August 8). The genetics of cancer. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics

²American Cancer Society. (2024). Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC). In Genetics – Family cancer syndromes. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/family-cancer-syndromes/hboc-hereditary-breast-and-ovarian-cancer-syndrome.html

³Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered. (2024, November 20). How are mutations inherited? In Hereditary cancer & genetic testing. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.facingourrisk.org/info/hereditary-cancer-and-genetic-testing/hereditary-cancer/how-are-mutations-inherited

⁴American Cancer Society. (2022, September 14). Understanding family cancer syndromes. In Genetics – Family cancer syndromes. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/family-cancer-syndromes/understanding-family-cancer-syndromes.html

⁵American Cancer Society. (2024, May 13). Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC). In Genetics – Family cancer syndromes. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/family-cancer-syndromes/hboc-hereditary-breast-and-ovarian-cancer-syndrome.html

⁶American Cancer Society. (2025, May 11). Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In Genetics – Family cancer syndromes. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/family-cancer-syndromes/familial-adenomatous-polyposis.html

⁷American Cancer Society. (2024, May 13). Lynch syndrome. In Genetics – Family cancer syndromes. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/family-cancer-syndromes/lynch-syndrome.html