Scientists in the CGN are now collecting blood or saliva samples from people in families with a history of cancer. Families with a history of cancer provide a unique view into the cancer process. You are being invited to participate in this research project because it is believed that you could contribute to this research.

Who can join the DNA bank?

The CGN DNA Bank is for individuals who have had cancer at an early age, or multiple cancer diagnoses. You may be eligible to join if you:

• Had cancer before age 40
• Had more than one type of cancer before age 50
• Have one or more family members that had cancer before age 50
• Have the same type of cancer in 2 or more blood-related relatives
• Have not tested positive for a genetic mutation (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2)

What will I have to do?

We will ask you to donate about 1 tablespoon of blood taken from a vein in your arm. If you are unable or unwilling to provide a blood sample, you can provide a saliva sample instead. We will also ask you to answer some questions about your medical and family cancer history. We will contact you one time each year to find out if anything has changed. You may ask us to stop contacting you at any time.

What will happen with my blood or saliva sample?

If you decide to join the DNA bank, you will give blood or saliva one time. Your sample will be sent to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. DNA will be extracted from your blood or saliva and stored for up to 20 years for use in future research. You can decide at any time that you do not want to participate and your DNA will be destroyed. Results from any genetic tests we perform will not ordinarily be returned to you.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes. All of the information you provide will be kept private. Only staff at the clinical site we refer you to will be able to link your blood or saliva sample with your name. Only CGN-approved investigators will have access to the DNA bank samples. All Investigators will be required to have Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for any study that uses your DNA. An IRB is a group of people at an institution that review studies to make sure they are well-designed, legal, ethical, and do not involve unnecessary risk.

I might be interested, what should I do first?

If you have more questions about this study or may be interested in participating, please contact the CGN DNA Bank Coordinator:

• (866) 593-8419
• contactcgn@partners.org

You will be asked a few short questions and will be directed to one of the CGN clinical centers. You will then talk to study staff, receive additional information, complete questionnaires, and provide a blood or saliva sample (at no cost to you).

Click Here to download a copy of the DNA Bank brochure.