Cancer is common and all cancer is genetic. Cancer is always caused by at least one change in a gene. This gene change causes cells to grow and divide out of control. However, cancer is not always hereditary. Cancer is hereditary when a gene is passed down from parent to child. This gene increases the risk to develop cancer. The goal of the Genetic Risk Assessment Program is to help families determine if their cancer is hereditary. Genetic Risk Assessment is provided by a board-certified genetic counselor.

What is a genetic counselor?

Genetic counselors are health care providers that specialize in identifying hereditary cancer syndromes. Most genetic counselors have a master's degree in genetic counseling. They provide a risk assessment for cancer. They also explain testing and screening options to patients. They are there to answer questions and provide support.

How do I know if I am at increased risk?

Family history is the most powerful tool when deciding if cancer is hereditary. A family history of any of the following increases the risk of a hereditary cancer syndrome:

• Several relatives within the family that have the same or similar cancers
• Cancer that developed at a younger age than would be expected
• Cancer within multiple generations of the family
• Bilateral cancers (cancer in both of a set of organs) or multiple cancers within the same person
• Lack of an environmental explanation for the presence of cancer

What happens during a genetic counseling appointment?

First, the genetic counselor will take a detailed family and medical history. The counselor will use this information to determine the chance for family members to develop cancer. The counselor will also discuss the chance that the cancer in the family is hereditary.

Options such as genetic testing, cancer screening and prevention, and lifestyle changes will be discussed. The benefits and limitations of each option will be reviewed with the patient.

A follow-up genetic counseling appointment will be scheduled to disclose the test results for patients that decide to have genetic testing. The counselor will explain the results. She will also discuss options for screening and medical treatments. Patients will receive a plan for ongoing cancer screening and prevention regardless of their test result. The impact of the test results on other family members will also be discussed. Patients in need will be referred for ongoing services. The genetic counselor will be available for questions and concerns as patients continue with their care.

What is the benefit of genetic counseling?

The options available for patients and their families at risk for cancer are numerous and confusing. The genetic counselor is here to minimize this confusion. She will ensure that the family has all the information they need to make educated decisions about their health care. The genetic counselor is a non-directive health care professional. This means she will support the family with whatever decisions they make.

Feelings of guilt, confusion, and hopelessness are common within families with a strong history of cancer. The genetic counselor can help the family work through their feelings throughout the risk assessment process. She is there to answer questions, provide support, and help patients communicate with their family members and physicians.

How do I receive a genetic risk assessment?

The WellStar Health System offers genetic risk assessment provided by a board certified genetic counselor. For an appointment or more information, call 770-793-7470 or e-mail us at genetics@wellstar.org.

Click Here to access your Medical History form for breast and ovarian cancer.
      You can print it, complete it, and bring it with you to your appointment.
      This will save you time.