Question 1

Am I required to have genetic testing if I see a genetic counselor?

Accepted Answer

No. Genetic counseling involves a detailed evaluation of your family history and family medical records as well as education about hereditary cancer.

Following the initial consultation, some people decide to pursue genetic testing to learn more about the level of cancer risk in their family. Others learn that their family history is not suggestive of an inherited predisposition, or they choose to not pursue genetic testing at this time. 的se families can still benefit from receiving education about cancer risk, as well as personalized cancer screening and prevention guidelines.

Question 2

Why is genetic counseling an important part of genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

的 genetic tests that are currently available cannot explain the strong history of cancer in many families. It is important to document the family history in detail so we can provide recommendations for early detection or prevention of cancer, even when genetic testing is not informative. Genetic counseling also addresses important aspects of testing, such as the implications and options for the patient and the impact on family members.

Question 3

What can I do if I learn I have an increased chance of getting cancer?

Accepted Answer

的re are a variety of options available to people who have an increased chance of cancer based on their family history or genetic testing results. 的se include increased surveillance or monitoring, chemoprevention — including medications that reduce the chance of cancer — and risk-reducing surgery.

的re are also new methods of cancer detection and prevention that are being developed, some of which are available as clinical trials. All of these options can be discussed in detail at your visit.

Question 4

I've already had cancer.  What can I learn from genetic counseling?

Accepted Answer

People who have already had cancer may learn about steps they can take to detect or reduce the chance of other cancers. For example, a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer can be associated with an increased chance of ovarian cancer.

Genetic counseling will also provide information about whether other family members have an increased chance of developing cancer. 的re are steps they can take to detect cancer early or prevent it from occurring.

Question 5

What about insurance discrimination and confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

的re are laws in California and most other states preventing health insurers from using genetic testing results to discriminate against individuals. This means that a health insurer cannot raise your rates, drop your coverage or deny you coverage based on the results of genetic testing.

In addition to the existing legal protection, the 癌症遗传学和预防项目 has multiple procedures in place to protect the confidentiality of your genetic counseling and genetic testing information. All of our records, including genetic test results, are kept separate from your UCSF medical chart. None of this information will be released without your written consent.

癌症遗传学和预防项目

虚拟访问

所需的形式

我们的位置

您附近的其他UCSF癌症治疗选择(1)

雷德伍德市癌症中心

雷德伍德市癌症中心

患者教育

遗传性癌症风险计算器

我们的团队

伊丽莎白·林恩

女朋友米. 布兰科

劳伦保龄球

Ashlie褐变

尼古拉cadena

凯特琳Castanzo

莎拉二滩

米亚米. 弗里克

月桂Hochstetler

朱莉·麦

克里斯蒂娜·佩德利说

贝森鲍威尔

Margalit Rosenblatt

凯瑟琳•罗斯

藤本植物Smolich

巴里通

艾德丽安Wakeling

米亚米. 弗里克

凯瑟琳•罗斯

巴里通

尼古拉cadena

克里斯蒂娜·佩德利说

藤本植物Smolich

U.S. 新闻排行榜

认证评估 & 会员资格

支持服务

计划行程

要带什么

相关诊所

我们的研究计划

你需要儿科护理吗?

找不到你要找的东西?

分享