---
title: "Genetic Testing and Counseling for Cancer Risk at Sutter Health"
description: "If your personal and family health history indicates a potential cancer risk, consider genetic testing and counseling at Sutter to manage your cancer risk early."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/genetic-testing-counseling"
---

1.  [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) /
2.  [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) /
3.  Genetic Testing and Counseling

# Genetic Testing and Counseling for Cancer Risk

Take charge of your health with genetic testing and a hereditary cancer risk assessment. Genetic counseling helps patients and families with a history of cancer better understand and manage their risk for developing cancer. 

[Find a Doctor](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Genetic+Counselor%22%2C%22Medical+Genetics%22%2C%22Pediatric+Genetics%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

[Request a Referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals)

## Why Choose Sutter?

Our trusted genetic counselors help you understand the practical, medical and emotional sides of genetic testing. Learning your genetic information may reveal personal cancer risks and give you and your care team options to prevent cancer or catch it earlier when it's more treatable.

If your personal and family history indicates a higher-than-normal cancer risk, genetic testing can reveal known gene mutations affecting your health. And if you’re currently living with cancer, genetic testing can help inform the best treatment options for you. 

## By the Numbers

### 250+ 

Cancer Specialists 

cover every cancer specialty from breast cancer to bone marrow transplants.

### 20+ 

Cancer Centers

offer unmatched cancer care on top of 60+ imaging locations.

### 150+

Cancer Clinical Trials

are underway to unlock the next breakthrough cancer treatment.

### 17,000+

People

entrust Sutter with their newly diagnosed cancer care each year.

## Need a Referral?

Chat live with our team Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, or call us at [888-834-1788](tel:+18888341788). Ridley Tree patients, [download this form](https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5ea5b12ef158400d9311d2af4a9d9fe4 "download this form").

[Request a Referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Who should consider genetic testing and counseling?**

You should consider genetic counseling if you have any of the following risk factors:

-   Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
-   A mother, father, sibling or children who developed cancer
-   If two or more family members on the same side have been diagnosed with the same type of cancer
-   If you or a family member have been diagnosed with two or more cancers or bilateral cancers (i.e. both breasts)
-   If you or a family member have rare cancers, such as ovarian cancer
-   You’ve had a positive gene test for a genetically linked cancer, such as breast or ovarian cancer
-   You had cancer at an early age, or a family member with cancer at an early age
-   You tested positive for a known genetic mutation related to hereditary cancer, such as BRCA or Lynch syndrome
-   You’re under age 50 and have been diagnosed with cancer

**What is a genetic counselor?**

Genetic counselors have specialized graduate degrees and experience in medical genetics and counseling. They can explain complex genetic information and at the same time provide emotional support. Genetic counselors will collaborate with your healthcare providers and work as part of your healthcare team. 

**What should I expect during a genetic counseling appointment?** 

We know there’s a lot to think about when talking about cancer risk, including personality, coping style and family experiences with cancer. Our goal is to offer confidential information, reassurance and support for you and your family. 

At your genetic counseling appointment, you can expect to discuss these topics with a counselor:

-   Review of personal and family history
-   Assessment of personal cancer risk
-   Discussion of the role that genes play in the development of cancer
-   Individualized prevention strategies to reduce cancer risk
-   Information about the risk, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing
-   Reassurance about confidentiality
-   Support to make educated and informed decisions about genetic testing
-   Genetic testing facilitation, when appropriate 

**How is genetic testing performed?**

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. 

**What if my genetic test results are positive?**

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](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/my-health-online?sc_site=SutterHealth&sc_lang=en) about how you can protect your health.

## Classes & events

[View all classes & events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?limit=10&query=%22%5C%22Cancer%5C%22%22&verticalKey=events)

-   Class, Support Group
    
    ### [Caring for the Caregiver Class (Online)- Ridley-Tree Cancer Center- Santa Barbara](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6a3ab8dc6e81d3445bb8f4aa/)
    
    Monday, November 16, 2026
    
    This class is designed for relatives and friends who are caring for a loved one with cancer. Learn the importance of self-care and tools to assist in the caregiver role.
    
-   Class
    
    ### [Qi Gong for Cancer Patients & Caregivers](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6a0371171cfc1ebde8e6d29b/)
    
    Tuesday, November 3, 2026
    
    Facilitated by: Dr. Alex Feng, Ph.D, OMD, L.Ac, Qi Gong Master & Teacher Held in person & virtually Tuesdays 6:30 - 8 p.m.
    
-   Support Group
    
    ### [Young Adult Cancer Support Group (Online)- Ridley-Tree Cancer Center- Santa Barbara](https://ewp.seatrobot.com/66f32bee33ea82483f1ddb0b/6a3abbefe2c9464f6f3c774b/)
    
    Wednesday, November 18, 2026
    
    This support group provides a place where young adults, ages 18 - 40, can share their cancer experience, support one another, exchange information and create meaningful moments.
    

[View all classes & events](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?limit=10&query=%22%5C%22Cancer%5C%22%22&verticalKey=events)

## Sutter’s Picks

Health Q&A

### [BRCA Testing](https://www.sutterhealth.org/ask-an-expert/answers/brca-testing-1051061517)

I’m not sure what BRCA means, but I know it raises breast cancer risk. What is BRCA testing, and what would it tell me?

Health & wellness

### [Understand Your Cancer Risk](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/understand-your-cancer-risk)

You can take some simple steps to lower your risk.

Page

### [Get screened for cancer](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/get-screened-for-cancer)

Screenings save lives. Learn when you should get screened for the most common cancers.

## Patient stories

[View all stories](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories)

-   [Patient story
    
    ### How a Cancer Survivor Is Championing Genetic Testing
    
    ](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/how-a-cancer-survivor-is-championing-genetic-testing-2023563954)
-   [Patient story
    
    ### Luck, Timing and a GREAT Program
    
    ](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/luck-timing-and-a-great-program-2023563867)

[View all stories](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories)

## Find a Doctor

Find your Sutter Health doctor.

[Find a Doctor](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Genetic+Counselor%22%2C%22Medical+Genetics%22%2C%22Pediatric+Genetics%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

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