Patient Experience
This webpage has been developed to support you and your family through potential cancer genetic assessment and testing (where required). Webpage content was developed following extensive consultation and engagement with both hospital staff members and cancer genetic service users, as we are committed to providing all service users with easily understood, and helpful information.
The St James’s Hospital Cancer Genetics Service provides comprehensive facilities to support individuals and their families whilst undergoing investigations for hereditary cancer syndromes. Our service goal is to promote the prevention and early detection of cancer and to assist with your decision-making regarding cancer treatments, where appropriate. Initially, an assessment of the heritability of cancer in your family will be made by a consultant cancer geneticist, genetic counsellor and/ or cancer genetic nurse specialist based on your personal and/ or family cancer history. Not all cancers are hereditary, the genes we are born with may affect our likelihood of developing certain types of cancer.
The Cancer Genetics team will discuss your cancer risk with you. We will provide information and support outlining the benefits and limitations of genetic testing and advise which genetic tests (if any), may benefit you and your family.
If you are eligible for cancer genetic testing, a blood test may be undertaken following your consultation. Genetic testing is not advised for every person who attends the Cancer Genetics Service, nevertheless, a cancer ‘risk assessment’ will be offered to you, irrespective of whether you have undertaken a genetic test. Deciding on whether to undergo genetic testing is a personal choice which can be made during your counselling session, or afterwards.
You have been referred to the Cancer Genetics Department at St James’s Hospital to assess your cancer family history and your potential eligibility for cancer genetic testing. It is likely that your doctor recommended you for referral, following your consultation and discussion with them.
Please note that we only offer diagnostic and predictive appointments to patients on receipt of an appropriate referral from a doctor.
Cancer is a genetic disease which is caused by changes to the genes which control the way our cells function (how they grow and divide). Certain gene changes can cause cells to evade normal growth controls and become ‘cancer’.
Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes occasionally exist within families. During a cancer genetics consultation, information is provided concerning heritable cancer-causing genes, how they are inherited and how any resulting cancer risk can be managed.
Not all cancers are inherited, however, certain cancers are caused by heritable factors. The Cancer Genetics Service can provide genetic testing and advice on the management of cancer inheritance.
Genes are a special set of instructions inside the cells of our bodies that parents pass on to their children. Genes contain information which tells our bodies how to grow and work. Genes are also responsible for many things, such as the colour of our eyes and the size of our feet.
Genetic counselling for cancer involves the provision of verbal and written information on specific cancer syndromes. Visual aids may be used to inform patients on their cancer risks and relevant risk-reduction strategies.
Anyone who has concerns about increased cancer risk in their family may benefit from genetic counselling. Some concerns may be addressed by your doctor who can help decide whether a referral to a cancer genetics service is necessary.
There are a number of ways in which you can be assisted through genetic counselling;
Cancer Genetics Clinics:
Cancer Genetics clinics are run from Monday to Friday.
Our department facilitates Telephone, Video and In-person appointments.
Cancer Genetics Team:
| Prof David Gallagher | Consultant Oncologist and Medical Geneticist |
| Prof Karen Cadoo | Consultant Oncologist and Cancer Geneticist |
| Dr Niamh Coleman | Consultant Medical Oncologist |
| As/Prof Rosie O'Shea | Principal Genetic Counsellor |
| Dr Aoife O’Shaughnessy-Kirwan | Senior Genetic Counsellor |
| Niamh White | Senior Genetic Counsellor |
| Shelby Taylor | Senior Genetic Counsellor |
| Nina Vorster | Senior Genetic Counsellor |
| Jenna MacInnis | Genetic Counsellor |
| Jessica Finney | Genetic Counsellor |
| Holly Canton | Genetic Counsellor |
| Roisin Clarke | Research Genetic Nurse |
| Casey O’Callaghan | Genomic Associate |
| Alison Duddy | Genomic Associate |
| Eimear Roche | Administration Assistant |
| Suzanne McCabe | Administration Assistant |
| Mark Meehan | Data Manager |
| Aoife Ruane | Service Manager |
Referrals from General Practitioners can be made via the Healthlink referral system.
Alternatively, external referrals are required to be received via email with the information being inputted on the cancer genetics online referral form.
This form can be found on the St James’s Hospital website:
Once completed, the referral form can be sent via email to: cancergenetics@stjames.ie
The PDF form is editable and must be typed – not handwritten and all relevant patient information included:
Patient Name, Date of Birth (DOB), Address, Contact number, Next of Kin, GP details and Email
Extra information that cannot be contained within the form can be included in the ‘Additional Information’ section or as an additional letter attachment.
Orla Beggs House,
40 James’s Street,
Dublin 8,
DO8WR52