Family Cancer Clinic


Breast and Ovarian Cancer Clinic
Some families are predisposed to breast and ovarian cancer due to an inherited faulty gene, although this accounts for approximately 5 – 10 % of these cancers.

Individuals may benefit from a consultation when one or more of the following guidelines are met:

  • One family member with breast and/or ovarian cancer <40 years of age
  • Two or more family members with breast or ovarian cancer at any age (on the same side of the family)
  • Multiple family members with breast, ovarian or other cancers

Other reasons for contacting the familial cancer centre

  • If several members have developed the same type of cancers, or
  • If there is any other reason to suspect that the cancers in a family may be inherited

About the Clinics

Who will I see?
The clinics are run by medical geneticists, genetic counselors, and other medical specialists.

What will happen?
During an appointment we will review the family history and also estimate an individual’s risk to develop cancer and discuss appropriate surveillance and options for early diagnosis and prevention.

Genetic testing is possible in some families and this can be explored.

How long will it take?
The first appointment will take approximately one hour. One or more appointments may be needed.

What will happen after?
Individuals who attend the clinic, and the referring doctor, will receive detailed letters about the consultation. This will include recommendations for follow up care. Individuals are able to contact clinic staff after their appointment to discuss any further questions that may arise.

Other Familial Cancer Clinics
Monash Medical centre also provides Genetics Clinics related to other cancer types such as bowel cancer.

Contact Details
Postal address:
Familial Cancer Centre
Clinical Genetics, Level 2
Monash Medical Centre
246 Clayton Road
Clayton VIC 3168

(Melways Map Reference 79 D1)

Telephone: (03) 9594 2026
Facsimile: (03) 9594 2022

Clinics are held at Moorabbin Campus:
Monash Medical Centre
867 Centre Road
East Bentleigh VIC 3165

(Melways Map Reference 77K1)