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Cancer Genetic Counseling

Cancer Genetic Counseling is available to those with inheritable genetic changes that may increase the risk for cancer. Medical genetic advances have resulted in the discovery of numerous genes that affect risk for a variety of cancers (including breast, ovarian, colon, uterine, pancreatic, skin, thyroid, and others).

By evaluating your personal and family history, genetic counselors can help determine whether and how much you are at increased risk for certain types of cancer and what testing is available to better define this risk for you and your family. Personalized cancer screening and prevention recommendations can then be generated to help guide you and your doctors in providing optimal medical care.

Cancer Genetic Counseling Sessions Are Recommended for Those with:

  • A personal history of cancer (especially if onset before age 50 or multiple cancers)
  • A family history of cancer (especially if onset before age 50 or multiple cancers)
  • Family members with a known hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome
  • A diagnosis of a cancer precursor lesion at an unusual age or in an atypical fashion

For more information or to make an appointment, call (631) 444-2790.

The Cancer Genetic Counseling Program tests for genetic changes that place people at increased risk of developing cancers.

Some of the Most Common Conditions Patients Are Tested for include:

  • Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA 1 & 2)
    Identifies individuals at increased risk for early onset breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer
  • Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
    Identifies individuals at increased risk for early onset gastrointestinal polyps and colorectal cancer
  • Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM)
    Identifies individuals at increased risk for early onset melanoma and/or pancreatic cancer
  • Hereditary Non-Polypsosis Colorectal Cancer Syndrome (HNPCC)
    Identifies individuals at increased risk for early onset colorectal cancer and/or endometrial cancer
  • Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS & LFLS)
    Identifies individuals at increased risk for early onset sarcoma, or brain, breast, bone, lung and adrenal cancers, and leukemia

Genetic Counseling and Testing Are Also Available for:

  • Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT)
  • Bloom Syndrome
  • Cowden Syndrome
  • Familial Renal Cancer Fanconi Anemia Gorlin Syndrome
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN I & II)
  • Neurofibromatosis (NFI & II)
  • Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
  • Retinoblastoma (Rb1)
  • Tuberous Sclerosis (TS)
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome (VHL)
  • Wilms' Tumor Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP)

Educational Links: Websites Containing Information about Cancer Genetic Counseling

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

NCI Cancer Genetic Counseling Specialist Locator

NCI Cancer Genetic Information

National Society of Genetic Counselors Cancer Counseling Recommendations