Genetic Risk Assessment and Counseling

Genetic risk assessment helps to identify one's risk for hereditary medical conditions.

If you have a family history of cancer, your chances of a cancer diagnosis may be higher than the average person.

You can use the list below to evaluate your risk for hereditary cancer. If any of these apply, cancer genetic risk assessment, testing and counseling may be appropriate for you.

• A personal or family history of breast, ovarian, colon or uterine cancer diagnosed before age 50
• Abnormal Immunohistochemistry (IHC) screening of a colon or uterine tumor (indicates an increased risk for a hereditary cancer syndrome)
• Multiple relatives on the same side of the family with the same or related cancers
• A personal or family history of a single person in the family with multiple primary cancers
• A personal or family history of male breast cancer
• Jewish ancestry and a personal or family history of any of the cancers already mentioned.
• A known genetic condition in the family (Lynch syndrome, BRCA, etc.)

A genetic professional will meet with you and obtain a detailed family and medical history. The genetic professional will discuss testing options as well as the benefits, risks, limitations and costs of each test. Genetic testing is available for a small but growing number of conditions. If testing or other criteria is positive, you will be referred to a certified genetic counselor.

Genetic counselors are healthcare providers with specialized training in genetics and genetic conditions. Becoming a genetic counselor requires two years of graduate studies in medical genetics. After completing this training, these individuals must pass board exams to become certified genetic counselors.

The genetic counselor will also discuss what you and your family can do to lower your chances of getting cancer and increase the chance for early detection if cancer does occur. You and your healthcare providers can then discuss the best options.