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Genetic Counselling
revised August 18, 2009
Genetic counselling is available to individuals whose personal/family history of cancer is suggestive of a hereditary syndrome. The goals of genetic counselling are: to help individuals learn more about hereditary cancer, to understand their own risk of developing cancer, and to learn about options for cancer screening and/or risk reduction. If genetic testing is available, genetic counselling helps people to make informed decisions about whether such testing will be helpful for themselves and their families.
Genetic counselling includes:
- detailed review of the reported family history, with special attention to anyone who has had cancer
- assistance with collecting relevant medical records in order to provide accurate risk assessment
- explanation of differences between sporadic cancers (occur by chance in the population, therefore, everyone has the same risk) and hereditary cancers (seem to run in families and may be linked to an inherited mutation in a specific gene). See Assessing Family History for examples.
- interpreting any pattern(s) of cancer in the family history; some people may learn that their cancer risk is lower than they thought, and others may learn that their risk is higher
- discussion about whether genetic testing is possible, and if so, who is the best "index" case for the family; usually hereditary cancer genetic testing starts with a person who has had cancer.
- review of the genetic test process, if available, including possible results, potential impact on family dynamics, and other risks, benefits and limitations
- support with informing family members
- current recommendations for cancer screening and/or prevention of cancers for which the person may be at increased risk
Residents of BC/Yukon who are interested in hereditary cancer genetic counselling should review their family history with their physician to decide if referral to the Hereditary Cancer Program is indicated.
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