Scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of our genes and how they impact our health, now and in the future. Our genes carry the biological material that determines our specific physical traits and controls how our cells behave. Genes also influence why some illnesses run in families.
Cancer is one disease where our risk can be determined by genes passed down from our relatives. About 5% to 10% of all cancers are inherited.
If you’re concerned about your risk of developing cancer – whether due to a family member’s history of cancer or your own medical history – genetic counseling can help you understand your risk and make knowledgeable decisions about your health care.
Genetic Counseling
The Statesir Cancer Center at CentraState provides genetic counseling, cancer risk assessment and genetic testing in a private, confidential setting. During an appointment, a genetic counselor reviews your individual and family medical histories, discusses personal cancer risks and shares the benefits and limitations of genetic testing.
“Genetic counseling can help you learn how you can manage your cancer risk through screenings, informed decision-making, treatment options and genetic testing if appropriate,” says CentraState’s licensed certified genetic counselor, Michele Horner, MS.
Genetic counseling can be helpful for:
Individuals:
- Diagnosed with cancer at a young age
- In the same family with the same type or related types of cancers (breast and ovarian, colon and uterine) Who have had several different types of cancer
- With a genetic testing prescription from another provider without prior counseling
Families:
- With less common cancers (pancreatic, ovarian, rare tumors)
- With at least two generations affected by cancer
- Of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is not a required part of genetic counseling and may not be recommended for everyone. You can still learn valuable information about cancer risk and management from a genetic counseling visit without undergoing genetic testing.
If you choose to pursue genetic testing, a genetic counselor can discuss test options, insurance coverage and costs and coordinate testing. CentraState’s lab can draw your blood sample the same day. Up to 70 genes can be analyzed for cancer susceptibility. Patients receive their results from the counselor by phone, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled if needed.
Based on genetic testing results, a counselor can provide guideline-based screening recommendations to help detect cancer at an earlier stage and review options for risk reduction and preventative care. Genetic testing also can provide information about cancer risk for relatives, including children, siblings or parents, and determine if genetic counseling and testing might be appropriate for them.
Enhancing Targeted Cancer Care
Genetic counseling and testing can assist physicians in determining optimal treatments for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, genetic testing can offer patients opportunities to participate in research and clinical trials for new cancer treatments.
“None of us can control what genes are passed down to us, but we can use the information we learn about our genes to assist ourselves, our siblings and our children in taking steps to reduce the risk for cancer,” says Horner.
Genetic counseling requires a physician prescription and is covered by most private health insurance and Medicaid if medically indicated. A reduced fee is available for patients not covered.
GENETIC COUNSELING AT CENTRASTATE
Learn more about genetic counseling at CentraState.
