Genetic Counseling

A small percentage of cancers are related to inherited risks. If you’re concerned about a family history of cancer and your personal cancer risks, our specialists can help. We provide genetic testing for cancer and cancer genetic counseling, including genetic testing for colon cancer, breast cancer and other types of cancer.

Our leading-edge testing expertise and caring counselors can help guide your health, wellness and treatment decisions. Our oncology nurse navigator offers one-to-one assistance, tailored to your personal cancer prevention and health goals.  

Learning About Your Cancer Risks

A combination of environmental, hereditary and lifestyle factors can interact, causing genetic changes that result in disease. Scientists have identified specific genetic changes or patterns associated with an increased likelihood of getting certain types of cancer or other health conditions.

Your genetic tests results will show you whether you have one or more mutated genes that pass from generation to generation. Genetic testing for breast cancer and other potentially inherited cancers, such as ovarian, uterine and colon cancer and others, can reveal specific inherited risk factors. Testing sheds light on inherited and non-inherited genetic changes that may affect your cancer risk. 

Your Risk Factors

When considering genetic testing, take a closer look at your family history. You may want to explore genetic testing if you have:

  • A family member who’s had more than one cancer diagnosis
  • More than one family member diagnosed with a rare cancer or cancer syndrome such as multiple endocrine neoplasia or Lynch syndrome
  • Several adult family members who developed cancer before age 50
  • Two or more close relatives, such as your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents or children, who were diagnosed with the same or related types of cancer

How Is Genetic Testing for Cancer Done?

When you have genetic testing, your care providers will take a blood, hair or saliva sample. These samples contain cells with your unique genetic DNA. Your DNA contains complex genetic codes that affect everything from eye color and height to how different parts of your body develop and function.

Your care provider will send your genetic sample to a specialized lab for analysis. When your test results come back, our genetic counselors will meet with you to explain test results and talk about what they might mean for you.

Genetic Counseling for Cancer

Our genetic counselors can help you weigh the potential personal benefits and challenges of getting tested. Our research nurse specialist and genetic liaison work closely with our genetic specialists. You’ll learn more about whether specific cancers in your family are hereditary and what you can do about it.

If you have a gene or genes that causes hereditary cancer, your counselor can discuss preventive education, screening and other steps. You’ll identify personal cancer risks so you can prevent or respond to symptoms and find cancer earlier when it's more treatable.

For example, if testing shows a gene mutation linked to colon cancer, you have a higher risk of colon cancer, and it may occur at an earlier age. Your counselor can suggest appropriate changes. These may include frequent physical exams, knowing and responding quickly to any symptoms, and earlier and more frequent colonoscopy screening. You might also explore diet, nutrition and lifestyle changes known to improve colon health.

Cancer Genetic Testing Help

Our doctors, researchers and clinical experts work together and collaborate with other industry leaders to advance cancer treatment and prevention. Although it’s not easy to think about your cancer risks, it’s also reassuring to know there’s a lot you can do to lower risks and improve your overall health and wellness.

Our skilled specialists are here to:

  • Connect with a genetic counselor
  • Create an overview of your personal and family health history
  • Determine if you and/or your family meet testing criteria

Contact Us

For more information about genetic counseling and the testing process, call our genetic liaison at 816.691.5195.