Cancer Predisposition Program
![little boy looking off into distance](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_1100x733_1x/public/2024-07/hero-cancer-predisposition-2017-1400x600-v01.jpg?h=3c17cb62&itok=r4H9ogKC)
Some children are born with a difference in their genes that put them at risk of getting cancer. That means they are genetically predisposed to getting cancer.
Our Cancer Predisposition Program is here for these children. We perform genetic testing to discover if your child is at risk for getting cancer. If your child is at risk, we screen them regularly to detect any cancer. Our goal is to find a tumor as early as possible, because a small tumor is much easier to treat than a large one.
Each member of our staff is dedicated to providing your family the most skilled and compassionate care, including emotional counseling. We will support your family’s well-being in every way.
How we serve you
We will give your child the very best care. Every patient receives thorough testing and evaluation, and we have specialized programs for children with specific cancer predisposition syndromes.
Conditions we treat
We care for children with a variety of conditions that put them at risk for developing cancer.
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Ataxia-telangiectasia -
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome -
DICER1 syndrome -
Familial adenomatous polyposis -
Hereditary neuroblastoma -
Hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma syndrome -
Juvenile polyposis syndrome -
Li-Fraumeni syndrome -
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) -
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) -
Neurofibromatosis type 1 -
Neurofibromatosis type 2 -
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome -
Noonan syndrome -
Peutz-jeghers syndrome (PJS) -
PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome -
Retinoblastoma (eye cancer) -
Rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome -
Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome -
WT1-related wilms tumor (WT) syndromes -
X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome
![Mother kissing cheek of daughter in hospital gown](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-03/Photo-Default-WhyChoose-Mother-Kissing-Daughter-Scrubs-Patient-Michaela-2624x1720-v01.jpg?itok=UjXMP-df)
Why choose us for cancer predisposition care
Our care team includes physicians who are world-class experts in hereditary cancers. Our genetic counselors carefully review and explain genetic test results, and can offer genetic counseling about the risk of a cancer-predisposition condition occurring in future children.
![A girl in a blue headscarf holds a teddy bear, smiling at a nurse with curly hair in a hospital room.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-05/Photo-ONC-Team-2624X1720-v01.jpg?itok=Em_tVnb-)
Meet your team
Your child will be cared for by one of the most accomplished teams of cancer predisposition experts in the world. We make sure your child and every member of your family get the highest level of support.
![Architectural detail of outside of building](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-03/Photo-Default-Locations-Building-Exterior-2624x1720-v01.jpg?h=ed76bfaa&itok=CvXz3nSY)
Our locations
Access cancer predisposition care at the Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care on our Philadelphia Campus.
![Smiling CHOP patient holding shopping bag](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100_160x160_1x/public/2024-06/Photo-Foundation-Shop-for-Chop-Become-Partner-Hero-2624x1720-v01.jpg?h=b840d9cf&itok=b_4zmn0L)
Our research
We are constantly striving to make research discoveries that lead to better screening and care for children who are more likely to get cancer.
![Mom and daughter with cancer looking at resources on laptop.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-05/Photo-ONC-Resources-2624X1720-v01.jpg?itok=1Mvnqafu)
Cancer predisposition resources
We have gathered resources to give you information about cancer predisposition and help you find answers to your questions.
Events
![Parkway ambassador holding her medal](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-06/Photo-Foundation-Event-Parkway-Run-2624x1720-v01.jpg?itok=3ru0MJge)
Parkway Run & Walk
Sunday, Sep 29, 2024
![Mother holding young child Mother holding young child](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/health-tips-genetic-testing-101-what-parents-need-know-16x9.jpg?itok=rYWf30B-)
Genetic discrimination
Protections exist to cover you and your family from genetic discrimination in health coverage and employment based on genetic information.
Give to the Cancer Center
There are many ways to support the Cancer Center. A gift of any size can help us make life-changing breakthroughs and advance our work for children everywhere.
![Little boy laughing while sitting on his dads shoulders.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/2024-05/Photo-ONC-donate4-2624X1720-v01.jpg?itok=dHjxJ8-E)