What is Cascade Screening?
Cascade screening helps find out if relatives of people diagnosed with genetic conditions might be at risk. Some genetic conditions run in families, passing down across generations. This screening can identify which relatives might be at risk before they show symptoms. Early detection can allow them to take steps to prevent disease or start treatment early.
Why Is Cascade Screening Important?
- When a person is diagnosed with genetic conditions, like Lynch Syndrome and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, their family members are also at an increased risk for that condition.
- These conditions are autosomal dominant, meaning a parent has a 50% chance of passing them to their child.
- Talking with relatives about getting screened is important. Early detection through cascade screening allows family members to take preventive steps.
Who May Be at Risk?
Those at risk often include first- and second-degree biological relatives, including:
- Parents, siblings, and children
- Uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews
- Grandparents, grandchildren
- Half-siblings
Cascade screening gives health care professionals a chance to find these conditions early and provide appropriate medical recommendations. If you or a family member is diagnosed with a genetic condition, talk with your health care provider about the condition and cascade screening.
Cascade Screening Connector
The cascade screening connector can help you identify which of your family members are at higher risk for similar genetic conditions.
The service will identify at-risk family members and offer to connect them to appropriate health services.
How to Access Support
Anyone in Washington can reach the Cascade Screening Connector by:
- Phone: 360-524-6577 | Toll-free: 800-364-1641
Phone services are available in English, Español – Spanish, and 中文 – Chinese. - Email the Genetic Support Foundation
- Genetic Support Foundation website
- If you are at risk of a hereditary cancer syndrome, speak with your health care provider. Check out the list of genetic providers.
Cascade Screening Videos
Note: Cascade Screening isn’t just for hereditary cancer. American Heart Association has cascade screening resources for Familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition where the body poorly recycles LDL cholesterol.
Additional Resources
- What is cascade screening? (PDF)
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome information and resources
- Lynch Syndrome information and resources
- About Cascade Testing (CDC)
- Where can I go to receive genetic services in Washington?
- Cancer screening in Washington
- Talking to Your Family About Your BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Family Health History collection of resources and information
- Discussing Test Results with Relatives: A guide for diagnosing asymptomatic family members.
- Visit Connect My Variant for resources about talking with relatives about genetic testing and hereditary disease prevention.