The Breast Center
Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment
Despite common belief, genetics play only a minor role in breast cancer. In fact, 80 percent of women diagnosed have no genetic link to the disease. Still, it's important to know your family history. With that information, a genetic counselor at The Breast Center at Valley Medical Center can assess your risk and guide you through any additional testing necessary.
You can request more information or schedule an appointment by calling The Breast Center at 425.656.5588.
What is genetic testing?
Knowing your risk for developing cancer may be your best protection against the disease. The Breast Center's Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment program helps you determine your cancer risk and develop an individualized plan to minimize it. A team of healthcare professionals, including a genetic counselor and an oncology-certified breast nurse specialist provide a family history analysis, a cancer-risk evaluation, recommendations for diagnostic screenings and lifestyle modifications, and counseling for cancer genetic testing.
Cancer in families can sometimes be the result of altered genes passed from one generation to the next. Hereditary forms of breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers are only a small number of all breast, ovarian, and colon cancers seen. Approximately 7 percent of breast cancers and 10 percent of ovarian and colon cancers are hereditary. A genetic counselor can explain the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic testing. Currently, blood sampling is available to identify genes that predispose an individual to breast, ovarian, and colon cancer, as well as other less common syndromes. This option is offered to those deemed appropriate for testing. All genetic testing is conducted in a manner that ensures patient privacy and confidentiality.
Who benefits?
The Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment service is appropriate for individuals who are concerned about their risk for developing cancer and who want more information about these risks. Any individual can benefit from this personalized service, which enables you to understand your personal cancer risk and make informed choices to minimize your risk of developing cancer.
Individuals with a family or personal history of cancer will benefit from a genetic assessment. A higher risk for a genetic link to cancer may be indicated if
- You have several relatives who have or have had cancer.
- You or a close relative had cancer before age 50.
- You or a relative has had more than one cancer.
- You or a relative has had a rare or unusual cancer.
- A male relative has had breast cancer.
It is important to realize that family history does not always indicate a higher risk for cancer. If your risk is higher than average, counseling may be reassuring.
How does this service work?
The process begins with an accurate family history. This will be analyzed to determine your risk factors for developing specific types of cancer. You will meet with a genetic counselor who will provide you with a detailed evaluation of your medical and family history as well as your lifestyle behaviors. The counselor will offer recommendations for lifestyle modifications aimed at cancer prevention, diagnostic screening recommendations for early detection, and guidelines for genetic testing. Your personal questions and concerns will be addressed at this time.
Will insurance cover the cost?
Insurance coverage for genetic testing depends on the type of insurance you have and the indication for testing. Medicare and many private insurance plans pay for regular breast and colorectal screening and, if indicated by your family history or medical history, also pay for genetic testing.
Additional Resources
American Cancer Society—800.ACS.2345
www.cancer.org
March of Dimes—888.663.4637
www.modimes.org