Download Understanding genetic counseling and testing

E D U C AT I O N A L S E R I E S
Most common hereditary cancers are breast,
ovarian and colorectal. Remember, cancer is
not inherited, only the gene mutation that
increases the risk factor of developing cancer.
Understanding
genetic counseling
and testing
Red flags for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian
Cancer (HBOC):
• Breast cancer diagnosed before age 50.
• Ovarian cancer at any age .
• Male breast cancer.
• Two or more breast cancers in an individual
or family.
• Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
• A previously identified BRCA1/2 mutation
in the family.
INDIANAPOLIS
8111 S. Emerson Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46237
(317) 528-1420
Red flags for Lynch Syndrome (Hereditary
Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)):
• Colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50.
MOORESVILLE
1201 Hadley Road, Suite 105
Mooresville, IN 46158
(317) 834-5900
• Endometrial cancer diagnosed before age 50.
• Two or more Lynch Syndrome cancers in
an individual or family at any age. Lynch
syndrome-related cancers include colorectal,
endometrial, ovarian, gastric, upper urinary
tract, biliary tract, small bowel, pancreatic,
brain and sebaceous adenomas.
ACCREDITED BY:
CC-GTE816
FranciscanStFrancis.org/cancer
WHAT IS GENETIC COUNSELING AND TESTING?
Cancer genetic counseling is the process of collecting
your detailed personal and family history, assessing
your personal risk, and discussing your genetic testing
options. These services should be provided by a
counselor who is board-certified by the American
Board of Genetic Counseling.
Genetic tests of blood and other tissue are used to
identify genetic disorders and can help determine a
more precise estimate of your cancer risk. Although
a cancer risk assessment can be provided without
genetic testing, in some cases testing may help you
and your physician make important decisions about
your medical care.
SHOULD I CONSIDER COUNSELING AND TESTING?
Genetic counseling is typically recommended for
people who have a personal and/or family history
suggestive of a hereditary cancer condition. It is
important to know, however, that having a family
member with cancer does not automatically mean
you are in a high-risk category.
that increases the risk of developing cancer. These genetic
changes can be passed from generation to generation
within a family.
RISK FACTORS
If you or a close relative have had any of the following,
you may want to consider genetic counseling and testing:
• Two or more close relatives on the same side of the
family with cancer, especially of the same type.
• Cancer at a young age (under age 50).
• More than one diagnosis of cancer in the same
individual, such as breast and ovarian, or colon and
uterine cancer.
• Rare cancers, such as male breast cancer.
• One or more relatives with a known hereditary cancer
gene mutation.
• Concern about your family history of cancer.
GENETIC COUNSELING STEPS
Genetic counseling includes several steps and may require
more than one appointment. A meeting with a genetic
counselor typically includes:
AM I AT RISK?
• A detailed review of your medical and family history.
Everyone has some chance of developing cancer.
In most cases, the cause of cancer is unknown and
happens by chance. However, five to 10 percent of all
cancer is hereditary and caused by a genetic change
• Discussion about the benefits, risks and limitations of
genetic testing. If genetic testing is done, the counselor
will help you understand what the results mean for you
and your family.
• Assessment of you and your family’s risk of
developing cancer.
• Explanation of your genetic test results and options
for cancer screening and prevention, such as
mammograms, colonoscopies, or in some cases,
preventive surgeries.
• If you have already been diagnosed with cancer,
discussion about treatment options based on your
genetic test results.
• Discussion of information about ongoing research and
clinical trials for those interested.