Genetic Counseling

Cancer doesn't just affect individuals, it affects families. A cancer diagnosis in one person can sometimes mean an increased risk of cancer for others in the family.

Cancer gene testing can offer insights and guidance about how best to treat cancer and steps to take to avoid cancer in the future. But gene testing isn't for everyone.

To help you and your family understand the impact of cancer genetics and make good decisions about gene testing, the AIS Cancer Center offers genetic counseling.

An experienced genetic nurse counselor

Our genetic nurse counselor is certified by the Oncology Nursing Society. She is also an EduCare-certified breast health navigator. That means she has additional training in understanding breast cancer.

She will explain how the genetic testing process works, what the test can find and how the results might help you. With her help, you will know whether or not the test is right for you.

How cancer gene testing can help

Genetic testing can help you make informed decisions about cancer treatment. It can also help you understand your risk of getting cancer in the future.

Guiding cancer treatment

If you have cancer, the results of a cancer gene test may help guide your treatment, by helping your oncology team understand how best to address the tumor and the risks of the tumor coming back after treatment.

Understanding your cancer risk

A gene test may also help you understand your risk for some types of cancers that you don't have now, but which seem to run in your family.

The AIS Cancer Center currently conducts genetic testing for people who have a personal history or a strong family history of cancers such as:

• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Colon cancer
• Melanoma
• Prostate cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Glioma

The gene testing process

If you're interested in cancer gene testing, you'll start by meeting with our genetic nurse counselor. She'll ask about your family history of cancer and your personal health risks. She'll also explain the costs of testing.

Should you decide that cancer gene testing is right for you, the team at the AIS Cancer Center will take a sample from your body. Some tests require a blood sample, while others use tissues taken during a biopsy. Those samples are reviewed and analyzed, and the results are reviewed by our genetic nurse counselor and your doctor.

At the end of the testing process, you'll talk with your doctor and the nurse counselor to determine what the next step should be. If you do need cancer care, the entire team at The AIS Cancer Center will stand behind you and provide you with the world-class treatments and screenings you'll need to get better.

Learn more about cancer gene testing

To find out more or to schedule an appointment with our genetic nurse counselor, contact us at
(661) 323-4673. You may need a referral.