Cancer Genetic Counseling

If you meet any of the following criteria, we recommend scheduling a genetic risk assessment to determine if you or your family would benefit from genetic testing: 

Breast Cancer: 

• Personal or family history of breast cancer diagnosed at age 45 or younger
• Personal or family history of two or more breast cancers if one was diagnosed at age 50 or younger
• Personal or family history of triple-negative breast cancer diagnosed at age 60 or younger
• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and personal or family history of breast cancer
• At least three family members with breast cancer (in the same bloodline)
• Personal diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer 
• Breast cancer and gastric cancer if one diagnosed before age 50 

Gynecologic Cancers:  

• Personal or family history of ovarian cancer
• Personal or family history of endometrial/uterine cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger 
• Personal history of endometrial cancer and another Lynch syndrome-related cancer*

Gastrointestinal Cancers: 

• More than ten adenomatous polyps 
• Two or more hamartomatous polyps 
• Five or more serrated polyps proximal to sigmoid colon 
• Personal or family history of gastric cancer diagnosed at age 40 or younger 
• Two gastric cancers in the family if one was diagnosed before age 50 
• Three gastric cancers in the family (in the same bloodline)
• Gastric cancer and breast cancer if one diagnosed before age 50 
• Personal history of gastric cancer and family history of juvenile polyps or gastrointestinal polyposis  
• Personal history of gastric cancer and family history of a Lynch syndrome cancer* 

Other: 

• Two family members with a Lynch syndrome-related cancer with one diagnosed before age 50* 
• Three family members with a Lynch syndrome-related cancer* (in the same bloodline)
• A close family member with male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, metastatic prostate cancer or pancreatic cancer 
• A known genetic mutation in the family
• Personal history of medullary thyroid cancer 
• Personal history of a paraganglioma 
• Personal history of a pheochromocytoma 

*Lynch syndrome-related cancers: colon, endometrial, gastric, ovarian, pancreas, ureter, renal pelvis, brain, biliary tract, small intestine, sebaceous adenomas, sebaceous carcinomas, or keratoacanthomas

Many patient’s insurance plans will cover genetic testing. Your genetic counselor will discuss insurance coverage with you during your first appointment. 

Your genetic counselor will meet with you to discuss your personal and family history of cancer during your first appointment. They will also let you know what to expect when pursuing genetic testing and help you determine if that is the right option for you. The Duncan Cancer Center offers genetic counseling appointments on the same day as your oncologist appointments. If you have not been diagnosed with cancer, you will meet with an oncologist immediately after your appointment.  

It is essential to come prepared for your first appointment. Helpful information includes: 

• If you or a family member have had genetic testing related to cancer, it is very important that you bring a copy of the test results 
• A detailed list of your family member’s cancer history, including the age they were diagnosed and where their cancer started. 
   

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) protects individuals from genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment. This applies to health insurance only and does not apply to life, long-term care, or disability insurance. Ask your genetic counselor any questions you may have about GINA.