Genetic Testing and Counseling for Cancer Risk

We test a small amount of body tissue or fluid — typically blood or saliva — for gene mutations. We’ll schedule a time to discuss your personal and family history prior to testing, which is known as genetic counseling. Once we get your results, we’ll follow up with you to discuss them. If you have a genetic mutation, we’ll review the risks and discuss treatment and surveillance plans that will work best for you.

You should consider genetic counseling if you:

• Are under age 50 and have been diagnosed with cancer
• Have multiple relatives on the same side of the family who received cancer diagnoses
• Have a mother, father, sibling or children who developed cancer
• Had cancer at an early age, or a family member with cancer at an early age
• Tested positive for a known genetic mutation related to hereditary cancer, such as BRCA or Lynch syndrome
• Have a positive gene test for a genetically linked cancer, such as breast or ovarian cancer
• Are of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage

A positive test can be scary, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get cancer. The results give you information about your risk and empower you to take prevention steps like routine screenings to keep yourself safe. If you receive a positive result, talk to your doctor about how you can protect your health.