Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A predisposition to certain cancers can be passed down through families via altered genes. Genetic testing looks for specific inherited gene changes (mutations) that may increase a person’s risk of developing particular cancers, such as breast, ovarian, or bowel (colon) cancer.

In Grand Rapids, MI, genetic testing and counseling for inherited cancer risk are available through major health systems including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, as well as through local and state public health resources.

How Inherited Cancer Risk Works

Genes control how cells grow, divide, and die. You inherit two copies of each gene—one from your mother and one from your father.

Sometimes, a person inherits an altered (mutated) gene that does not work properly. This can increase the chance of certain cancers developing, especially when combined with lifestyle or environmental factors common in Michigan, such as lower winter activity levels or vitamin D deficiency from long, cloudy seasons.

Most cancers are not caused by inherited gene changes. For example, only about 5 out of every 100 cases of breast cancer are due to a strong inherited genetic predisposition.

Common Inherited Cancer Genes (BRCA and Others)

One of the best-known examples of inherited cancer risk involves the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes:

  • A woman who has inherited a single altered copy of BRCA1 or BRCA2 has a higher risk of:
    • Breast cancer (often at a younger age)
    • Ovarian cancer
  • Men with BRCA mutations can also have increased risk of:
    • Male breast cancer
    • Prostate cancer
    • Pancreatic cancer (in some families)

Other gene changes can increase the risk of:

  • Bowel (colon) cancer – often due to conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
  • Endometrial (uterine) cancer
  • Other cancers depending on the specific gene involved

Who in Grand Rapids Might Consider Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing for inherited cancer risk is usually recommended only for people and families with certain patterns of cancer. In West Michigan, your primary care provider or oncologist may refer you to a genetic counselor if your family history suggests higher risk.

Families at Potentially High Risk of Breast or Ovarian Cancer

You may be at increased risk and benefit from genetic counseling and possible testing if your family has:

  • Three or more relatives with breast or ovarian cancer on the same side of the family (mother’s or father’s side)
  • Two or more relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, especially if:
    • Breast cancer occurred before age 40
    • A relative had both breast and ovarian cancer
    • A relative had cancer in both breasts
    • A male relative had breast cancer
    • There is Jewish ancestry (especially Ashkenazi Jewish)
    • A relative’s breast cancer had features suggesting inherited risk (your oncologist or pathologist may note this in records)

Families at Potentially High Risk of Bowel (Colon) Cancer

Your risk may be higher if your family has:

  • Three or more relatives on the same side of the family with bowel (colon or rectal) cancer
  • Two or more relatives with bowel cancer, especially if:
    • Someone developed bowel cancer before age 50
    • A relative has had more than one bowel cancer
    • A relative has many bowel polyps
    • A relative has both bowel cancer and endometrial (uterine) or ovarian cancer

Other Cancers That May Suggest an Inherited Risk

You may be considered at increased risk for other types of cancers if:

  • Several relatives have the same type of cancer
  • A relative has been found to carry a known altered cancer gene
  • Cancers occur at younger-than-expected ages

What Is Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer?

Genetic testing analyzes your DNA (usually from a blood or saliva sample) to look for specific inherited gene changes that are known to increase cancer risk.

In Grand Rapids, genetic testing for inherited cancers is typically coordinated through:

  • Spectrum Health cancer and genetics programs
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids oncology and genetic counseling services
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health genetics and oncology clinics
  • Mercy Health cancer centers in the region

Genetic testing is usually offered:

  • To families at highest risk based on personal and family history
  • After genetic counseling, so you understand the benefits, limits, and possible outcomes of testing

Why Testing Usually Starts With Someone Who Has Had Cancer

In most families, the first person offered genetic testing is someone who has already had cancer. This helps:

  1. Identify whether there is a specific genetic change causing cancer in the family.
  2. Confirm whether the family’s pattern of cancer is due to an inherited predisposition or more likely due to non-genetic factors.

If a genetic change is found in a person with cancer:

  • It confirms that the cancers in that family are likely due to an inherited predisposition.
  • Blood relatives without cancer can then choose to be tested to see if they inherited the same gene change.

If a genetic change is not found:

  • It may still be possible that there is a genetic predisposition that current tests cannot detect.
  • Your genetic counselor will explain what this means for your personal and family risk.

What Happens If You Inherit a Predisposition to Cancer?

If you test positive for a known inherited cancer gene mutation, you do not automatically have cancer—but your risk is higher than average.

Your care team in Grand Rapids (often a combination of your primary care provider, oncologist, and genetic counselor) can help create a personalized risk management plan, which may include:

  • Earlier and more frequent screening, such as:
    • Mammograms and breast MRI
    • Colonoscopy at younger ages and shorter intervals
  • Risk-reducing medications (chemoprevention) when appropriate
  • Risk-reducing surgeries, such as:
    • Preventive mastectomy (removal of breast tissue)
    • Removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes for some high-risk women
  • Lifestyle recommendations tailored to Michigan’s climate, such as:
    • Staying active during long Grand Rapids winters
    • Addressing vitamin D deficiency if appropriate
    • Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol

Limitations of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is powerful, but it has important limitations:

  • Not all genetic changes can be detected. Current tests do not find every possible mutation.
  • A negative test (no mutation found) does not always mean your risk is average. Your family history may still suggest higher risk.
  • A test may find a “variant of uncertain significance” (VUS)—a gene change whose impact on cancer risk is not yet known.
  • Results can have emotional, financial, and insurance implications, which is why pre- and post-test counseling are essential.

Because of these limitations, genetic testing in Grand Rapids is typically offered only with professional genetic counseling to help you understand:

  • What the test can and cannot tell you
  • How results may affect your medical care
  • How results may impact your family members

Genetic Counseling and Cancer Risk Services in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about inherited cancer risk, the first step is to talk with your primary care provider or oncologist. They can review your personal and family history and, if appropriate, refer you to a genetic counselor or familial cancer program.

Local Healthcare Systems and Resources

While specific phone numbers and departments may change, the following Grand Rapids and Michigan resources commonly provide or coordinate genetic counseling and testing:

  • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) – Grand Rapids
    • Cancer centers and genetic counseling services
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Oncology clinics with access to genetic counseling
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Clinical genetics and cancer risk assessment programs
  • Mercy Health / Trinity Health Region
    • Cancer centers and risk assessment services
  • Kent County Health Department
    • Local public health information and referrals
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and Community Clinics
    • Support with navigation, prevention, and screening

For broader support and information:

  • Cancer Council Michigan / State Cancer Programs
    • Information on cancer screening, support groups, and financial assistance
  • National cancer organizations (e.g., American Cancer Society)
    • Educational materials and online tools, such as a breast cancer risk calculator

Ask your provider for the most current contact information and referral pathways, as services can consolidate or rebrand (for example, Spectrum Health and Beaumont now operating as Corewell Health).

When to Talk to a Doctor in Grand Rapids About Inherited Cancer Risk

Consider making an appointment with your Grand Rapids healthcare provider if:

  • You or a close relative had breast, ovarian, bowel, or endometrial cancer, especially at a young age
  • Multiple relatives on the same side of your family have had the same or related types of cancer
  • A family member has a known inherited gene mutation (such as BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome genes)
  • You are unsure how your family history affects your risk and want professional guidance

Your doctor can:

  • Review your personal and family history in detail
  • Use risk assessment tools (such as breast cancer risk calculators)
  • Refer you to a genetic counselor or familial cancer center in the Grand Rapids area
  • Help you understand screening and prevention options suited to your age, health, and Michigan lifestyle

Key Takeaways for Grand Rapids Residents

  • Only a small percentage of cancers are caused by inherited gene changes, but for those families, genetic testing can be very important.
  • Genetic testing is most useful when started with a family member who has had cancer.
  • If a harmful gene mutation is found, healthy relatives can be tested and offered personalized prevention and screening plans.
  • Not all genetic changes can be detected, and results can be complex—genetic counseling is essential.
  • In Grand Rapids, MI, you can access inherited cancer risk assessment and genetic testing through major health systems (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health) and local public health resources.

If you believe you may be at risk for an inherited cancer, start by talking with your family doctor or primary care provider in Grand Rapids. They can help you decide whether genetic counseling and testing are appropriate for you and connect you with local specialists who understand both your medical needs and the unique health context of living in West Michigan.