What is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic testing may help discover the cause of your cancer or cancer(s) in your family. Sometimes, it can also tell if you have an increased risk for cancers that do not run in your family.
Our counselors can help you understand your risk of developing cancer and determine if there is an inherited risk in your family. They can also provide information about cancer screenings and risk reducing options for you and your family. If there is an increased genetic risk for you or your family, our genetic counselors are will work with you and your care team to assist in making medical decisions
Who Should See a Genetic Counselor?
Talking to a genetic counselor may be helpful if you or your family member has experienced any of the following:
- Certain cancers diagnosed at a younger age (breast, colon, or uterine cancer diagnosed before 50)
- Ovarian cancer diagnosed at any age
- 10 or more colon polyps
- A male diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer
- A male diagnosed with breast cancer
- A female diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
- Multiple relatives with different types of cancer (breast and ovarian in one family, colon and uterine in one family, etc.)
- Rare cancers or tumors (medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, etc.)
- Certain ethnic backgrounds (Ashkenazi Jewish Ancestry)
How is testing performed?
- Genetic testing is typically performed using a blood sample.
- Results are usually available within 2–3 weeks.
- Your genetic counselor will:
- Review your results with you personally.
- Explain what the results mean for you and your family.
- Help coordinate any recommended follow-up.
How can genetic counseling help me and my family?
Genetic counseling and testing may help:
- Identify a possible inherited cause of your cancer.
- Explain patterns of cancer within your family.
- Determine whether you may have an increased risk for other types of cancer.
- Provide information that may be helpful for your family members.
How can I prepare for my appointment?
Gather as much information as possible about your family's cancer history including types of cancer diagnosed and ages at diagnosis.
If available, bring copies of family members' pathology reports. Pathology reports can be especially helpful when there is a history of colon polyps or kidney cancer.