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Oncology Genetic Testing & Counseling

For patients and families with hereditary cancer, genetic services at Cancer Care can guide decisions about screening and treatment.

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Decoding Inherited Links to Cancer

To treat cancer patients more effectively, Cancer Care offers oncology genetic testing and counseling to patients and families. Qualifying patients consult with a board-certified nurse practitioner with more than 10 years of experience in oncology.

Genetically Linked Cancers

In 5%-10% of cancer cases, harmful differences in genes inherited at birth can influence if a patient develops certain types of cancer. Genetic testing can currently look for mutations associated with these cancers including:

  • Certain types of breast cancer in women

  • Breast cancer in men

  • Colorectal cancer

  • Endometrial cancer

  • Gastric cancer

  • Kidney cancer

  • Melanoma

  • Ovarian cancer

  • Pancreatic cancer

  • Prostate cancer

Who Should Consider Genetic Consultation?

Oncology genetic services, which require referral, are recommended based on personal and family medical history. We use the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines in recommending genetic counseling. Patients who might benefit from a genetics consultation include those with:

  • Relative with a known inherited genetic mutation associated with cancer

  • Personal or family history of cancer diagnosis before age 50

  • Multiple relatives diagnosed with the same cancer

  • Multiple relatives diagnosed with different cancers linked to same genes

What to Expect with Oncology Genetic Counseling

At Cancer Care, board-certified nurse practitioner Angie Taylor, AGN-BC, FNP-BC, provides oncology genetic services by referral. She is certified in genetics through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Genetic counseling is covered by many insurance carriers but check with your insurance company to be sure. The genetic counseling process typically includes:

  • Review of family medical history

  • Discussion of the role of genetics in cancer

  • Cancer risk assessment

  • Simple blood or saliva test, if candidate for genetic screening

  • Review of test results

  • Personalized recommendations for risk reduction and enhanced screening

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