Cancer Genetic Counseling
Find a cancer genetic counseling locationMost cancers are sporadic (happening by accident or due to environmental exposures); however, some cancers can run in families. If you inherit a gene change (mutation) linked to one of these cancers, it increases your risk. But having a mutation doesn’t always mean you’ll get cancer. Cancer genetic counseling from Nuvance Heath® provides the information and support you need to feel more confident about your future health.
What is cancer genetic counseling?
Genetic counselors explain the risks and benefits of genetic testing and help you make an informed decision about whether to proceed. If you wish to know more about your inherited cancer risk, we use a blood or saliva test to check for mutations linked to inherited cancers. The privacy of your test results and conversations with genetic counselors are protected by law. Federal law prohibits health insurance and employment discrimination based on genetic testing results.
Is cancer genetic counseling right for me?
Counseling is available to people who are interested in learning more about their inherited cancer risk. Insurance typically covers this service.
You may benefit from cancer genetic counseling if:
- You or a close family member were diagnosed with cancer under age 50.
- You or a close family member has been diagnosed with more than one cancer.
- Any family member has tested positive for a cancer gene mutation, like BRCA, or an inherited cancer syndrome, like Lynch syndrome.
- You or a close family member has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or ovarian cancer.
- Three or more relatives on the same side of the family have had breast, colon or prostate cancer.
- There are other indications for genetic testing so you are encouraged to consult your doctor or a genetic counselor to see if you qualify for genetic testing.
Counseling for inherited cancers: What to expect
Genetic counselors start by asking about your personal and family cancer history. If you do not know your family history, we use other information to guide this part of the assessment. Genetic counselors explain which cancers you may be at risk for and what information genetic testing could provide. It’s natural to have questions, which is why we also take time to address your concerns.
If you choose to move forward with genetic testing, here’s what to expect:
- You provide a saliva sample or get a blood draw at one of our diagnostics locations.
- We send the sample to a specialty genetics lab for testing. This step may take a few weeks.
- When results are available, we share them with you by phone or in person.
Convenient access to cancer genetic counseling and testing
Nuvance Health offers special services to help fit cancer genetic testing into your busy schedule. You may be able to have your session through a telehealth visit. Some patients may be eligible to undergo blood draws or saliva collection from home. With mobile phlebotomy services, a lab technician comes to you.
What do cancer genetic testing results mean?
If you test positive for a mutation, you may face a higher-than-average risk for cancer. We develop a personalized cancer screening and prevention plan to check for early symptoms and possibly reduce your risk. Genetic counselors can also connect you with specialists who lead cancer research uncovering new methods for detecting inherited cancers.
If testing shows you do not have a gene mutation linked to an inherited cancer type, your risk to develop a cancer is based on your personal and family history. With any result, it’s still important to keep up with cancer screenings. Your primary care provider will let you know which tests you need and how to access them.
Why choose Nuvance Health?
Learning about your inherited cancer risk can be overwhelming, but we are here for you. Cancer genetic counselors provide emotional support for you and your family through every step of the process. We adhere to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s genetic testing guidelines, so you can count on us for appropriate assessments.
Meet our cancer genetic counselors and make an appointment
You’ll receive services from board certified genetic counselors with additional training in cancer genetics. We offer counseling in multiple locations throughout New York’s Hudson Valley and Western Connecticut.
