Genetic Testing & Counseling
You may benefit from genetic testing to learn more about your health and personal risk factors for certain types of cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have a personal or family history of cancer. Based on the results, you may have certain screening tests earlier or more often, or you may consider preventive treatment to reduce your risk of cancer.
What is Genetic Counseling?
Genetic counseling is the process of understanding and processing the implications of one’s genetics. Genetic counselors are trained to interpret family medical histories, determine how susceptible people are to genetic conditions and diseases, and create a plan of action regarding further medical decisions.
Conditions We Test For
The genetic counselors at Adventist HealthCare Cancer Centers specialize in testing for the following cancer conditions:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Retinoblastoma – a rare form of cancer that develops within the retina, most commonly found within children
- Thyroid cancer
- Uterine cancer
Testing for Breast Cancer
If you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing at Adventist HealthCare Cancer Centers can help you find out whether you carry a certain gene (BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2) that increases your risk. If results are positive, your doctor may recommend you get mammograms more often or consider preventive treatments, such as a mastectomy.
Types of Genetic Testing
There are numerous types of genetic testing available. Depending on the patient’s history and symptoms, genetic counselors may complete:
- Carrier testing – genetic testing that finds out if a person is a carrier for recessive diseases
- Diagnostic testing – genetic testing that aims to diagnose based on symptoms of mutated genes
- Predictive testing – genetic testing that occurs when a person has a family history of a genetic disorder
Your Options for Genetic Testing
Your testing and treatment plan depends on the type of condition you have and other factors. Expect your genetic counselor to work closely with your care team including your primary care doctor or specialist, such as an oncologist to help decide which course of genetic testing is right for you.
