Cancer genetic counseling
At Sharp, we offer cancer genetic counseling to help you and your family understand your hereditary risk for specific types of cancers.
Understanding your cancer risk
At Sharp HealthCare, we believe in empowering patients to make healthier choices for themselves and their loved ones. This includes understanding the risks of developing certain conditions like cancer.
If you have a personal or family history of cancer and are concerned about an increased risk for cancer, genetic counseling may help. Genetic counseling involves assessing, identifying and understanding a person’s risk of hereditary (inherited) cancer.
The licensed and board-certified genetic counselors of the Sharp Cancer Genetic Counseling Program will review your personal and family history to determine if you have an increased risk for cancer. They can recommend ways to manage your risk, such as screenings and genetic testing, so you can make better informed health care decisions.
Obtenga información en Español sobre nuestro programa de asesoría genética (PDF).
Who should consider genetic counseling for cancer risk
You may want to consider genetic counseling if you or a family member has:
Been diagnosed with breast, uterine or colorectal cancer before age 50
Been diagnosed with triple negative or male breast cancer, at any age
Been diagnosed with ovarian, pancreatic or high-risk prostate cancer, at any age
A known mutation in a cancer risk gene
If you’re interested in speaking with a genetic counselor, please ask your primary care doctor or oncologist to refer you to the Sharp Cancer Genetic Counseling Program. Our team will contact you to set up an appointment and discuss next steps.
Frequently asked questions about genetic counseling and genetic testing
Your genetic counselor will ask questions about your medical and family history as well as your experience with genetic testing, including:
Any health conditions and age of diagnosis
History of cancer, polyps and non-cancerous tumors
Results from a pathology report of any tumors or polyps
If you’ve had any major surgeries (such as a hysterectomy or removal of your ovaries)
Your genetic counselor will also discuss:
Pros and cons of genetic testing for you and your family
Federal laws that prohibit health insurance companies from denying health care coverage or increasing premiums based solely on genetic test results
Permission is required to discuss the health history of other family members treated at Sharp
Yes. At your appointment, your genetic counselor will evaluate your risk for developing cancer and can recommend what steps you can take to manage that risk, such as increased screenings or more frequent visits with your doctor.
A genetic test for hereditary cancer is different than any other blood or saliva test you may have had. The results can have lifelong impacts for your health and the health of your relatives.
That’s why it’s important for you to fully understand the benefits, risks and limitations of the testing and what the testing entails. A genetic counselor is specially trained in how to interpret the results of a genetic test and how to guide patients on managing their risk.
In addition, some health insurance companies require patients speak with a genetic counselor or a geneticist before testing in order to receive insurance coverage.
There are many types of genetic testing. Tests offered through our program look for inherited genes that increase your risk for cancer, also known as germline testing.
Somatic testing analyzes genes on tumor tissue. This testing is used to learn more about an individual’s cancer diagnosis and what treatment options may be most effective.
Somatic testing does not always imply that your family members would also need to undergo genetic testing for predisposition to cancer.
Results can take anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on the type of test ordered. Your genetic counselor will let you know when to expect results from your testing.
Testing usually requires a sample of your saliva or blood, and both are equally accurate. Fasting is not required for a blood draw, but we highly recommend that you avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes before a saliva collection.
Most health insurance plans cover genetic testing for patients who qualify. Your genetic counselor will speak with you about any additional costs that may be needed. U.S. commercial labs usually charge no more than $500 for cancer genetic testing if you are paying out-of-pocket.
If you're interested in genetic counseling, ask your primary care provider or oncologist if a genetic counseling referral is appropriate based on your history.
To learn more about our cancer genetic counseling program, call us at 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277).
Meeting with a genetic counselor
At your first appointment, we will ask to you bring results from any genetic tests you may have had in the past.
We will also ask you to bring any test results from family members who’ve undergone genetic testing for cancer risk. If a family member has received a positive genetic test result, it is important for our genetic counselors to know how extensive their testing was and what specific mutation was studied. This information is included in genetic test results and can help determine what your testing should include.
We understand how important the presence of loved ones can be during a genetic counseling appointment. While you are welcome to bring any support person to your appointment, we find that the most helpful attendees include family “historians” who are knowledgeable about the health histories of relatives.
A genetic counseling session typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes.
Your genetic counselor will discuss your results with you at a follow-up appointment. Results will then be shared with your referring doctor. Results also remain in your private electronic medical record at Sharp.
Genetic testing is covered by most commercial health insurance plans, though each carrier has different criteria for coverage. Your genetic counselor with discuss coverage in more depth at your first appointment.