Genetic Counseling

Cancer Risk Evaluation Program

Are you at increased risk for cancer?

Is there a gene putting your family at higher risk of cancer?

Could genetic testing help clarify your risk of cancer?

Family history or genetic factors can increase an individual’s risk for cancer.

Community Medical Center’s Cancer Risk Evaluation Program is specifically designed for individuals who want information about their personal risk for cancer.

Should I consider the Cancer Risk Evaluation Program?

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, then this program may be helpful to you:

  • Have you or a family member been diagnosed with cancer at an early age (usually 50 or younger)?
  • Have you or a family member been diagnosed with a rare cancer (for example, ovarian cancer or male breast cancer)?
  • Have you or a family member been diagnosed with “triple negative” breast cancer?
  • Do you or your family have a history of many colon polyps?
  • Do you have two or more relatives with the same kind of cancer on the same side of your family?
  • Do you have Jewish ancestry and a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancer at any age?
  • Have you or a member of your family had more than one cancer?
  • Do you have a family history of certain groups of cancers (for example, breast and ovarian or colorectal and uterine)?
  • Does anyone in your family have a mutation in a cancer susceptibility gene (for example, BRCA1 or MLH1)?
  • Have you or a family member been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer?
  • Have you or a family member been diagnosed with metastatic, intraductal/cribiform, or high or very-high risk group prostate cancer?

Our team can help you.

Our multidisciplinary team is available to:

  • Talk with you about your personal concerns.
  • Review your family history, medical history and lifestyle risk factors.
  • Help you understand cancer risk factors.
  • Discuss genetic testing and assist in your decision about this option.
  • Outline a plan for continued monitoring to protect your health.
  • Help you make informed medical decisions based on your personal risk assessment to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
  • Evaluate your eligibility to participate in certain research studies.
  • Provide a written summary of your consultation and test results.

What you can expect

Before your first appointment:

At your first appointment, you will:

  • Meet with a licensed, board-certified genetic counselor who will ask about your personal concerns and review your family and medical history.
  • Learn about cancer risk factors including how genes and family history can affect your level of risk.
  • Discuss options for genetic testing. If you decide on genetic testing, a blood or saliva sample is usually obtained at this visit.

When applicable, at your second appointment, you will:

  • Review your risk assessment and genetic test results.
  • Discuss a plan to carefully monitor your health and reduce your risk of cancer based on your level of risk.
  • Have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.

Will my insurance cover genetic counseling & testing?

Many insurance companies cover the cost of genetic counseling and genetic testing when medically indicated. Pre-authorization may be required for some managed care plans. It is always best to check with your insurance carrier first.

For information, please call the Cancer Risk Evaluation Program at 732-557-2154.