Cancer Genetic Counseling

Cancer genetic counseling services are for both women and men who have concerns about their personal and/or family history of cancer. To help you make a more informed decision about your healthcare, your cancer genetics provider may discuss the following with you:

• Your family history
• Your personal history or risk of cancer
• Whether or not genetic testing is right for you
• The benefits and limitations of genetic testing
• How you can decrease your risk for cancer

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/genetics/what-happens-during-genetic-testing-for-cancer.html - American Cancer Society Fact Sheet explaining what to expect in a cancer genetic counseling visit

This information could help you and your family members lower cancer risk and/or help you to catch cancer early.

Cancer Genetics Professionals (Who should I see?)

Cancer genetic counseling is performed by specially trained healthcare providers who have knowledge in genetics, cancer, counseling, and hereditary cancer syndromes. It is important that your health care provider be trained in cancer genetics in order to provide you the BEST care possible.

• Genetic Counselors: Genetic counselors are masters-level specialized health-care professionals. They receive extensive training in medical and cancer genetics and psychosocial counseling through accredited training programs. They are certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. More information about genetic counseling can be obtained at the National Society of Genetic Counselors website: www.nsgc.org
• Physician who is board certified in medical genetics by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG)
• Clinical Genetics Nurse (CGN) or Advanced Clinical Genetics Nurse (ACGN) credentialed through the Nursing Portfolio Credentialing Commission (NPCC)
• Advanced practice oncology nurse with a masters or doctorate degree with specialized education in cancer genetics
• Board-certified physician with experience in cancer genetics

Qualified cancer genetics professionals can be located at the following sites:

• National Society of Genetic Counselors: NSGC Find a Counselor
• National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service:
  • 1-800-4-CANCER
  • https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/directory

Last Updated: 8/24/2020 12:00:00 AM