Roswell Park Genetic Testing Screens Cancer Risk
Genetic screening identifies inherited mutations that may require early or more frequent cancer monitoring.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cancer
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Would you choose to undergo genetic testing if your family has a history of cancer?
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center utilizes blood tests and saliva swabs to identify gene mutations linked to higher cancer risks. These screenings help medical teams determine if patients require early intervention or additional testing like annual MRIs.
Why it matters
Genetic testing is recommended for individuals with strong family histories or diagnoses occurring before age 50. Identifying mutations, such as the ATM gene, allows doctors to proactively manage risks for breast, pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
In the United States, the average breast cancer risk for females is approximately 13%. Genetic testing can identify mutations like the ATM gene, which increases the likelihood of developing breast, pancreatic, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
The players
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Based in Buffalo, this medical institution specializes in cancer research and offers clinical services including genetic testing.
Jill Komm
She is a breast cancer survivor who underwent genetic testing after learning of a family mutation and subsequently completed intensive medical treatment.
The details
Jill Komm sought testing after her mother was found to have a gene mutation, leading to a breast cancer diagnosis at age 41. She subsequently underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction, four rounds of chemotherapy, and three weeks of radiation.
Timeline
Age 41: Jill Komm received a breast cancer diagnosis.
Age 50 or below: Doctors consider genetic testing for patients diagnosed within this timeframe.
Health Landscape
The expansion of hereditary risk screening represents a major shift in oncology toward proactive, personalized preventative care. This approach marks a departure from traditional symptom-based diagnostic models by integrating genomic data into standard clinical monitoring.
Patients with strong family histories of cancer should consult with their providers to determine if genetic testing is appropriate for their situation. These results help shape personal health routines, potentially leading to earlier screenings or more frequent monitoring for those with identified mutations.
The takeaway
Genetic screening serves as a vital tool for those with significant family cancer histories to understand their personal health risks. Implementing these insights early can lead to life-saving monitoring and preventative medical decisions.
Further reading
For more information on screening programs, visit Buffalo Cancer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wivb4.
Live Poll
Would you choose to undergo genetic testing if your family has a history of cancer?
