Genetic Counseling
At CBCC, our genetic counselors provide comprehensive genetic risk assessment services, helping you understand the potential hereditary risks facing you and your family members.
If you have questions about your risk for developing an inherited disorder or are worried about passing one along to your children, genetic counseling can address these concerns.
Genetic counseling starts with a meeting to review your medical history and your family’s health history to discuss potential risk factors. You may be referred for genetic testing, or if testing has already been completed, learn about your results and options. If you have concerns about the possibility of genetic issues, discuss them with your physician who will determine if you should be referred for genetic counseling.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is a quickly advancing field used to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage inherited disorders.
Genetic testing looks for variations within specific genes that may indicate an increased risk of developing a disease or passing on an inherited disorder to your children. For example, a BRCA gene test can check for variants in genes that increase a woman’s risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
Genetic testing only requires a basic blood sample. Analysis of the sample may determine your likelihood of developing a certain type of cancer, whether a gene mutation contributed to an existing cancer diagnosis, or whether you’re at an increased risk of having cancer recurrence.
The goals of genetic testing are to:
- Provide valuable information for use in developing your unique treatment plan.
- Determine whether you have a genetic mutation known to increase your risk for certain inherited cancers.
- Enable your healthcare professional to better predict disease aggressiveness.
- Assist your healthcare professional in making important decisions about the management of your disease.