Genetic Counseling is a service provided to patients by a medical professional with advanced training in medicine, genetics, and counseling. The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, as a specialty center for Oncology, offers patients the ability to receive these services at multiple locations. This service provides an opportunity for patients to meet with a certified genetic counselor to discuss their own clinical picture in a detailed manner with a focus on the cancer history of you and/or your family. It is no secret that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and genetic counselors can help in providing you with the opportunity to listen, guide, cope and answer any questions you may have about the future for you and your loved ones.
Program
Initial appointments generally last an hour and during this time you will review your personal and/or family history of cancer, and the genetic counselor will evaluate for the possibility of a hereditary cancer syndrome. As a part of a genetic counseling consultation, genetic testing may be done, which consists of a blood test or saliva sample to allow for a comprehensive analysis of your own genetic risk factors. Hereditary genetic testing is an important step in the therapy care plan for many individuals with a cancer diagnosis and can guide cancer screening and prevention for individuals without cancer. Whether you have a new diagnosis of cancer or are concerned about your risk factors for developing cancer, Genetic Counseling offers a compassionate setting to meaningfully discuss your health and provide an understanding of your own individual risk for disease.
Scheduling
In order to receive genetic counseling services at TACRI your Oncologist and clinical team may make a referral on your behalf or you may contact the scheduling office to make an appointment. This service is available to both current patients and new patients with or without a referral from your physician.
Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Cancer Risk
We now are pleased to announce the addition of Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Cancer Risk at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute. The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute brings patients and expert healthcare providers together in a clinical program that is recognized as the premier center for the comprehensive treatment of all states of cancer.
Evaluation for a possible hereditary cancer syndromes is an important step in the surgical and/or oncologic care plan for many individuals with a cancer diagnosis and can guide cancer screening and prevention for individuals without cancer.
The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute offers on-site genetic counseling by a board-certified and licensed genetic counselor who can:
- Review a patient’s personal and/or family history of cancer
- Perform risk assessment for hereditary cancer syndromes
- Determine the most appropriate genetic test(s) and the most informative approach to genetic testing for patients and/or their families
- Coordinate genetic testing and insurance authorizations
- Interpret genetic test results, review syndrome inheritance, and identify relatives who may benefit from genetic testing
- Help patients and their physicians understand and apply genetic test results to medical management decisions based upon associated cancer risks
- Offer patients and their relatives counseling and emotional support
Genetic testing can be performed on either a blood or saliva sample. Results are typically available within three weeks and these are discussed during an in-person follow-up visit.