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. These 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

The 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

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

There 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. There are steps they can take to detect cancer early or prevent it from occurring.

Question 5

What about insurance discrimination and confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

There 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

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Required forms

Our locations

Patient education

Our team

Elizabeth Lynn

Amie M. Blanco

Lauren Bowling

Ashlie Browning

Nicola Cadenas

Caitlin Castanzo

Sarah Ertan

Miya M. Frick

Laurel Hochstetler

Julie Mak

Christina Pedley

Bethan Powell

Margalit Rosenblatt

Katherine Ross

Liana Smolich

Barry Tong

Adrienne Wakeling

Miya M. Frick

Katherine Ross

Barry Tong

Nicola Cadenas

Christina Pedley

Liana Smolich

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在加州大学旧金山分校健康，我们相信一个无疟疾的十大赌博平台排行榜是可能的在一代人. 我们正在与国家和地区以及像法案这样的组织合作 & Melinda Gates Foundation and Google, to use technology, 机器学习和医疗创新缩小疟疾地图.

癌症遗传学和预防项目

Virtual visits

Required forms

Our locations

Patient education

Our team

Elizabeth Lynn

Amie M. Blanco

Lauren Bowling

Ashlie Browning

Nicola Cadenas

Caitlin Castanzo

Sarah Ertan

Miya M. Frick

Laurel Hochstetler

Julie Mak

Christina Pedley

Bethan Powell

Margalit Rosenblatt

Katherine Ross

Liana Smolich

Barry Tong

Adrienne Wakeling

Miya M. Frick

Katherine Ross

Barry Tong

Nicola Cadenas

Christina Pedley

Liana Smolich

U.S. News rankings

Accreditations & memberships

Support services

Plan your visit

What to Bring

Related clinics

Our research initiatives

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