Genetic Testing and Counseling
If a family member has ever received a cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to wonder if you’re at risk as well. Genetic testing and counseling offers a science-based approach to help you and your doctors better understand your cancer risks, and, if needed, monitor you through regular screenings. This can help catch cancer early when it’s most treatable. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, genetic testing and counseling can also help your care team tailor your treatment options based on your personal genetic makeup.
Genetic Testing at the Statesir Cancer Center
The Statesir Cancer Center at CentraState offers genetic testing through a review of your family’s medical history and performing a DNA test through blood or saliva samples. There are several reasons why you might need genetic testing, including to:
- Diagnose a disease or a type of disease.
- Determine the cause of a disease.
- Choose the most appropriate treatment options for your specific disease.
- Find your risk of getting a certain preventable disease.
- Find your risk of passing a disease to your children.
Understanding Your Results with Genetic Counseling
When testing is complete, a genetic counselor will help interpret the test results and translate it into a personal context. Genetic counselors are health care professionals with specialized education and experience in medical genetics and counseling. Physicians often rely on a counselor’s in-depth knowledge of a patient’s medical and genetic history when developing personalized care plans for their patients.
Counseling services are delivered virtually using a HIPAA-compliant platform. Following your consultation, you should feel confident in understanding what the results mean for you and your family.
Getting Started
Speak with your physician or cancer specialist about any questions or concerns you may have. The conversation will help you decide whether genetic testing and counseling are right for you and, if so, how to get started. Your providers will guide you through the appropriate steps to schedule an appointment.
