Cancer genetic counseling could save your life. A family history of cancer can increase your own risk for developing the disease. While most cancers occur by chance, it is estimated that 5-10% of cancer cases are hereditary.
The Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Port Huron now offers cancer genetic counseling. This service can help you learn about the impact your personal medical history, family history and genetics may have on your risk of developing cancer, as well as the risk to other family members. It can also help you understand your options for prevention, early detection, and treatment.
The goal of cancer genetic counseling is to help you understand your cancer risk and become more involved in ways to reduce your risk by modifying your lifestyle and developing a personalized screening and treatment plan.
A referral for cancer genetic counseling could benefit you if you have:
- Several relatives with cancer
- One or more relatives who have or have had more than one type of cancer
- One or more relatives who have cancer presenting under the age of 50
- Two or more relatives on one side of the family with the same cancer
- A personal or family history of a rare or unusual cancer, such as ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, male breast cancer, or metastatic prostate cancer
- A family history of a known hereditary mutation in a cancer gene, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1 or MSH2
During an appointment, a thorough evaluation of your personal medical history and family history, as well as a risk assessment, will be performed by a genetic counselor who specializes in cancer genetics. If appropriate, genetic testing options, including the risks, benefits, and limitations will be discussed. The information gained during your appointment can help you understand your own cancer risk and ways to reduce this risk. It may also help your doctor to develop a management program unique to you. Finally, this information can help identify family members who may be at an increased risk of developing certain cancers and could benefit from additional or increased cancer screening.
The Karmanos Cancer Institute participates with most health insurance companies, and self-referrals for genetic counseling are accepted. Insurance coverage and cost for genetic testing will be discussed during your visit.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, appointments are currently being conducted virtually, either by telephone or video. For more information about cancer genetic counseling at McLaren Port Huron or to make an appointment, call 810-989-1006.