Cancer usually occurs by chance. However, in some families there is an inherited link to developing cancer. Knowledge of a family link to cancer allows individuals to make informed healthcare decisions for cancer prevention strategies, screening and management. Genetic counseling explores your personal and/or family history of cancer and helps assess your cancer risk. Genetic counselors work closely with your physicians to provide collaborative cancer care. The goal of cancer genetic counseling is to provide patients with clear and clinically relevant information about genetic risk factors in an atmosphere of support and education.
Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling?
Individuals who have a personal and/or family history that includes any of the following may benefit from a genetic counseling and education appointment:
- Cancer diagnosed at an early age (50 years old or younger)
- Multiple family members diagnosed with cancer
- Two or more types of cancer occurring in the same person
- Male breast cancer
- Family member diagnosed as having a hereditary type of cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Why Should I Have Genetic Counseling?One of the primary goals of genetic counseling is to clarify cancer risks. This information can be useful to you, as well as your family members. The information obtained from genetic counseling allows you to make informed decisions about your cancer screening and/or management.
Scheduling a genetic counseling appointment does not mean you must undergo genetic testing. The decision to pursue genetic testing is a personal decision.
Confidentiality
The privacy of your health and family history information is extremely important to us. Your information is kept in compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.
Contact Information
For more information or to schedule an appointment for cancer genetic counseling, please contact Jill Polk, Certified Genetic Counselor.
Phone: 440.312.5634
For more information about breast and ovarian cancer, family health history, and genetic testing click here.
For more information about how to gather medical information about your family health history click here.