The Cancer Genetics Program offers cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling to help determine if your personal or family cancer history is due to an inherited susceptibility. Genetic counselors work closely with specialists at the Breast Cancer Program and the Gynecologic Cancer Program to ensure you receive individualized, comprehensive care.
Based on the information you provide, our genetic counselor will:
People who are concerned about their personal or family cancer history may benefit from genetic counseling. The program helps you and your physicians make informed decisions about your health care based on risk assessment and, in some cases, genetic test results.
The program may also be helpful for:
Based on the risk assessment and the counseling session, screening guidelines will be reviewed and genetic testing may be offered.
Your insurance may cover your genetic counseling and subsequent screening and testing. Insurance companies typically determine coverage on a case-by-case basis.
To make an appointment, or for more information, call 1-800-454-8156.
Your genetic counselor will use this information to develop a family tree, which will be used to assess your cancer risks.
During your appointment you will meet with one of our board-certified/eligible genetic counselors for 60 to 90 minutes to review your cancer risks, based on the information you provided.
Your counselor will discuss:
Your genetic counselor will provide information about services and specialists, which may include:
To learn more about BRCA, the gene mutations that are linked to the development of certain types of cancer, please visit the Risk Assessment section of our Young Women's Breast Cancer FAQs page.
Learn more about cancer genetic counseling and get the basics about genetics and inheritance with regard to risk assessment and genetic testing in the video below.