Cancer Genetics Service

Cancer is common and it is not unusual for a family to have one or two cases that occur by chance alone. While most cancers are not hereditary, a small percentage of families have an inherited predisposition. We may suspect a hereditary cause for cancer when several family members have had the same or related types of cancer, or when the cancers have occurred at a younger than average age.

 

At St James’s Hospital Cancer Genetics Service, we provide comprehensive support for individuals and families undergoing evaluation for hereditary cancer syndromes. Our service goal is to promote prevention, facilitate early detection and assist individuals in making informed decisions about treatments and cancer risk management

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.

Some of our genes play a key role in protecting us from cancer. When we do cancer genetic testing, we typically examine a number of these genes to identify any alterations (or mutations) that might affect the normal function of the gene.

Please see the following information sheet from the Irish Cancer Society for more details on “Cancer and Genes”; https://www.cancer.ie/sites/default/files/2023-12/WEB_Leaflet%20Cancer%20and%20Genes.pdf

 

You have been referred to service at St James’s Hospital so we can assess your personal or family history of cancer and/or your eligibility for cancer genetic testing. This referral may have been recommended by your doctor after discussing your situation, or you may have sought referral because there is a known cancer predisposition in your family and you wish to have testing for it.

Please note that we only offer the above appointments on receipt of an appropriate referral from a doctor.

As part of your assessment, you may be asked to complete a family history questionnaire. This form is also available through the following link; https://www.stjames.ie/media/QUESTIONNAIRE_DOWNLOAD.pdf

Please note, not everyone who is referred to the service will be offered an appointment. Sometimes an assessment may be provided by letter. Please see below for our current referral criteria.

For your information, our current routine waiting time varies, but can be 2-3 years. This is due to limited staff resources. We will contact you approximately 8 weeks in advance of your appointment. Please note, if you are awaiting predictive/cascade testing (for a known familial genetic alteration), waiting time is approximately 12-15 months.

Cancer Genetic counselling provides you with information on specific cancer syndromes using verbal, written, and visual aids to explain your cancer risk and possible risk-reduction strategies.

Anyone with concerns about an increased cancer risk in their family may benefit from genetic counselling. Your doctor can determine whether a referral to a cancer genetics service is appropriate.

Cancer genetic counselling offers several benefits, including:

· Information, support and counselling for both you and your family.

· An assessment of your likelihood of inheriting a cancer gene alteration (based on your family cancer history)

· Discussion of cancer risk management plans

· Explanation of the risks, benefits (including for treatment purposes), and/or limitations of genetic testing

Please note, DNA storage is an option for patients with limited prognosis who are awaiting an assessment with our service. DNA storage may allow family members pursue genetic testing in the future, if appropriate. Instructions on how to arrange DNA storage are detailed below. If necessary, please contact us on 01 4103759 and ask to speak to the on-call Genetic Counsellor for additional information on DNA storage.

· To store a DNA sample please discuss same with patient/NOK.

· If patient/NOK consents, two EDTA blood samples can be taken for DNA storage. Samples should be sent with the form linked below to the Genetics Laboratory at Crumlin.

· Please do indicate on form if patient has been referred to our service.

· In addition, it is important to ensure the bottom section of the form is complete.

Link to Crumlin form; https://media.childrenshealthireland.ie/documents/146516613_genomic_testing_request_form_dcg.pdf

 

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
Dr Emily Harrold	Consultant Medical Oncologist
As/Prof Rosie O'Shea	Principal Genetic Counsellor
Niamh White	Senior Genetic Counsellor
Dr Aoife O’Shaughnessy-Kirwan	Senior Genetic Counsellor
Nina Vorster	Senior Genetic Counsellor
Holly Canton	Genetic Counsellor
Roisin Clarke	Research Genetic Nurse
Kate Brady	Genomic Associate
Casey O’Callaghan	Genomic Associate
Alison Duddy	Genomic Associate
Louise Warren	Administration Assistant
Rebecca Doolin	Administration Assistant
Mark Meehan	Data Manager
Michelle Pollard	Service Manager
Ellen Stafford	Grade V Officer

 

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:

1. https://www.stjames.ie/
2. ‘Healthcare Professionals’ subsection
3. ‘Referral Forms’ dropdown
4. ‘Cancer Genetics’ section
5. ‘Patient Referral Form for Cancer Genetics Service’ – PDF link

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.

SJH Cancer Genetics Referral Criteria 2025