What is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling is a service offered to individuals and families to help them understand their genetic risk factors, interpret test results, and make informed decisions regarding cancer prevention and screening options.
What is a Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment?
A Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation with a specific focus on cancer. This could involve analyzing an individual’s family history, performing genetic testing, and interpreting the results. The goal is to identify inherited genetic mutations or variations that may increase an individual’s risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Understanding Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Hereditary cancer syndromes are genetic disorders that increase an individual's risk of developing certain types of cancer. These syndromes are caused by mutations in specific genes inherited from one or both parents. Identifying hereditary cancer syndromes and providing screening/prevention plans is crucial to prevent cancer and save lives.
Typically, genetic testing is performed on a blood or saliva sample. A skin biopsy may be indicated for patients with cancerous or precancerous conditions of the bone marrow, blood, lymphatic system.
How is Genetic Testing Performed?
Typically, genetic testing is performed on a blood or saliva sample. A skin biopsy may be indicated for patients with cancerous or precancerous conditions of the bone marrow, blood, lymphatic system. That sample is then sent to a specialized genetics laboratory with CAP and CLIA certifications. This means that the lab follows federal regulatory standards to ensure high quality testing practices. The laboratory will carefully analyze all genes in the test order and issue a report with any findings.