Prevention

Doctors aren't sure what causes most instances of retinoblastoma, so there's no proven way to prevent the disease.

Prevention for families with inherited retinoblastoma

If your child is diagnosed with retinoblastoma, your doctor may recommend genetic testing to determine whether the cancer was caused by an inherited gene mutation. Your doctor may recommend that you meet with a genetic counselor who can help you decide whether to undergo genetic testing.

Genetic testing enables families to know whether their children may have an increased risk of retinoblastoma, so medical care can be planned accordingly. For instance, eye exams may begin soon after birth or, in some situations, before a baby is born. That way, retinoblastoma may be diagnosed very early — when the tumor is small and a chance for a cure and preservation of vision is still possible.

Genetic testing can be used to determine whether:

• Your child with retinoblastoma is at risk of other related cancers.
• Your child with retinoblastoma may carry a gene mutation that can be passed to his or her future children.
• Your other children are at risk of retinoblastoma and other related cancers.
• You and your partner have the possibility of passing the genetic mutation on to future children.