Gene mutations can play a role in your colon cancer risk.
Cancer Treatment
Cancer Genetic Counseling
Understanding your family's cancer risk.
At Sharp HealthCare, we believe you should feel empowered to make healthier choices for you and your family. That includes understanding the risks of developing certain conditions like cancer.
While it's rare for cancer to be passed down from one generation to the next, we understand you may be concerned about inherited cancer risk. That's why we offer cancer genetic counseling to help you and your family understand your risk for specific types of cancers.
Our cancer genetic counselors are here to help.
Our board-certified genetic counselors review your personal and family history to determine the likelihood of inherited cancer in your family. They will discuss whether genetic testing could be helpful in clarifying cancer risk. If you undergo testing, your counselor will discuss the results in depth with you.
Is cancer genetic counseling right for me?
If you meet any of the following qualifications, you and your family could benefit from genetic counseling.
- You or a family member were diagnosed with cancer before age 50 or diagnosed with a rare cancer (such as ovarian cancer or breast cancer in a male)
- You have had two or more primary cancers (this does not include cancer that has spread to another area of the body)
- Several close family members on the same side of the family have had the same or related cancers (i.e., breast and ovarian, or colon and uterine)
- You have findings that may be associated with an inherited cancer syndrome, such as multiple colon polyps
What might my genetic counselor recommend?
Your genetic counselor can help you understand steps you can take to reduce cancer risk, such as:
- Increased monitoring
- Lifestyle changes
- Preventive surgeries
- Use of medications
How can I learn more about genetic counseling?
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 858-939-5218.
Obtenga información en Español sobre nuestro programa de asesoría genética (PDF).
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