Genetic Counseling for Cancer

genetic test, gene testing, genetic tests

Our genetic counselor provides education and a genetic test for risk assessment for people who, based on personal and family history, are at high risk for developing cancer. We offer both on-site and tele appointments for genetic counseling.

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

  • Syndrome of breast cancer that occurs before age 50
  • Bilateral breast cancer at any age
  • Ovarian cancer at any age
  • Male breast cancer at any age

Hereditary Colon Cancer Syndrome

  • Greater than nine polyps in a lifetime
  • Any polyps that occur before age 40
  • Colorectal cancer that occurs before age 50
  • Endometrial cancer that occurs before age 50

Hereditary Melanoma Syndrome

  • Two melanomas in the same individual or family
  • Pancreatic cancer and melanoma in the same individual or family

Other hereditary cancer syndromes

  • Three cases of cancer in one side of the family: bladder, brain, endometrial, kidney, lung, mouth, multiple myeloma, pancreatic, sarcoma, stomach, other skin cancer, testicular, thyroid.

A genetic counseling consultation takes about one hour and includes:

  • A comprehensive family history with pedigree analysis
  • Mutation risk modeling to estimate the chance of hereditary germline mutations within the family
  • Education surrounding: genetics, hereditary cancer syndromes, risk of cancer and/or germline mutation, ethical issues, potential but unproven discrimination issues, family issues, autonomy
  • Insurance approval (covered by 97 percent of carriers)
  • Testing, if appropriate, at a later date. Results are available about one month following testing.
  • Copy of visit record provided to a requested provider with consent.

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