GENETIC TESTING
Genetic Testing For Hereditary Cancer
The Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program is an additional service available to the community at large that is extremely helpful for those who may be genetically predisposed to cancer. The program offers information; counseling; and genetic testing, if necessary, to people 18 years of age or older who have a strong family history of cancer; as well as long-term follow up. Genetic testing screens individuals with a high risk of cancer to determine if they have genetic markers for the disease. Either parent can pass on a genetic predisposition for certain types of cancer.
The purpose of the program is to help people understand their inherited genetic risk of developing many forms of cancer. This information may then be used to educate individuals about appropriate screenings to detect cancer and to encourage certain health promotion behaviors. In addition, physicians may use this information in early detection and treatment of cancers.
Individuals can be referred to our program by either a physician or themselves. While many people may refer themselves, each patient must have a primary physician with whom to discuss results, screening, recommendations and follow up. If one is not available, we will provide you with several suggestions.
Available Services
The process begins before your first appointment. Over the phone, we’ll take a brief history and explain our services. If further screening is recommended, an appointment will be made for you. Family members are encouraged to accompany you.
Our services include:
- A detailed review of your family history, medical history and personal risk factors
- Comprehensive education on lifestyle management, cancer screening and general health
- Development of a personal plan for prevention and early detection, in collaboration with your physician, for lifetime follow up
- Explanation of the genetic testing process
- Psychological counseling
The Healthcare Team
Assessing one’s risk for cancer can be a very intimate and emotionally complex process that is best handled with a team approach. The Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program is staffed by a medical director, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, and psychologist. This staff is supported by an advisory committee of medical, surgical and radiation oncologists; pathologists; oncology nurses; psychologists and clergy.
Genetic Cancer Testing
In 1996 and again in 2003, the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommended that genetic susceptibility testing be offered for individuals who have a strong family history of cancer or very early onset of disease.
If we believe, based on your family history, that a genetic mutation may be responsible for increasing your risk of developing a cancer, we’ll offer genetic testing. If you decide to proceed with genetic testing for predisposition to cancer, a blood sample will be taken for analysis. Results will be available within three to four weeks.
Once the results are obtained, a thorough explanation of the results will be given. If the test reveals the presence of a mutated gene, physicians and counselors will recommend a personal plan for prevention and early detection. Each participant is given a plan for lifetime follow up.
If you are interested in learning more about Genetic Testing in order to assess your cancer risk, contact Melinda Fawbush, MSN, ARNP at 904-202-7313 or info@regionalconsultants.com.