Your genes determine your eye color and height, and they may also reveal your cancer risk. Having a family history of certain types of cancer can increase your risk of developing the disease.
There is a lot of information out there about genetics and cancer risk, and sifting through it can be overwhelming and confusing. But you don’t have to do it alone. The Karmanos Cancer Institute genetic counseling service is available to patients throughout the Karmanos Cancer Network.
“Genetic counselors have advanced training in medical genetics and counseling to guide and support patients seeking more information about how inherited diseases and conditions may affect them or their family,” said Courtney Kokenakes, MS, LCGC, licensed genetic counselor with Karmanos Cancer Institute who provides genetic counseling services to patients in the greater Lansing region.
You may be a good candidate for genetic counseling if you have:
Several relatives with the same or related cancers.
A relative with more than one type of cancer.
A personal or family history of cancer under the age of 50.
A personal or family history of a rare or unusual cancer, such as male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or pancreatic cancer.
Genetic counseling is designed to help you understand the impact your family history can have on you and other family members’ cancer risk. This knowledge can be a powerful, potentially lifesaving tool, helping you sort through your prevention, early detection, and treatment options.
“Your genes can sometimes increase your risk of developing certain health conditions, including certain types of cancer or heart disease,” said Kokenakes. “Getting genetic testing done can help benefit you by increasing your awareness of potential risks, and even identifying a cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.”
While most cancers occur by chance, it is estimated that about 5 to 10 percent of cancers are hereditary (that is, they run in families).
“For example, if one of your family members — whether a parent or grandparent — has a history of breast or ovarian cancer, we can look at certain mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to see if you also carry that mutation,” said Kokenakes. “If you are positive, you have a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer as well.”
Depending on the patient’s results, the genetic counselor will give recommendations to help reduce the risk of developing cancer and help detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. Some suggestions may include certain types of cancer screening, a possible change in the rate or age at which the patient should receive certain cancer screenings, risk-reducing surgeries, certain medications, suggested eating habits, and exercise.
Genetic counseling appointments typically are 45 minutes long. During the genetic counseling consultation, the genetic counselor reviews the patient’s personal and family history information to determine whether genetic testing is appropriate; provides information about hereditary cancers; and walks patients through the process of genetic testing, insurance coverage, and the implications of testing for the patient and their family.
In Lansing, patients can meet with our genetic counselors virtually or by phone and will be mailed a testing kit. From there, they follow the enclosed instructions and send the saliva testing sample back to the lab with the provided label.
Whether or not you opt for genetic testing, visiting with one of our genetic counselors will arm you with valuable information about your cancer risk that could save your life.
“Knowing your genetic status and cancer risk can help guide important health care decisions for you and your family,” said Kokenakes.
Though genetic counseling does not require a physician referral, some insurance companies may require that patients are referred. Our genetic counseling services are often covered like any other specialty. Most insurance companies cover part, if not all, of genetic testing.
For more information on our cancer genetic counseling services, click here or call (517) 975-7800.
To learn more about Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing, click here.
For more articles on health and wellness, click here
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