Genetic Counseling and Testing
Comprehensive Genetic Risk Assessment for Cancer
If you have a family history of cancer, your genes may influence your risk. At Hackensack Meridian Health, our Genetic Counseling and Testing program is the only one of its kind in the region, providing comprehensive genetic risk assessments for individuals with a family history of cancer or those currently diagnosed with cancer.
By understanding your genetic risk, you can make informed decisions about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options tailored to your unique genetic profile.
Who Can Benefit from a Genetic Risk Assessment?
Genetics play a significant role in certain cancers. Here's what we know:
- Up to 10% of cancers—including breast, ovarian, colorectal, and endometrial cancers—may have a genetic link.
- Non-hereditary factors, such as age and previous health conditions, can also influence your risk of developing cancer.
- Your personal and family history are the most important indicators when determining your risk for hereditary cancers.
How Knowing Your Genetic Information Can Help
Over the last decade, advancements in cancer genetics have led to the development of new therapies for cancer prevention and treatment. Genomic testing for targeted therapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancers like breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and more. This approach, known as precision medicine, uses genetic information to diagnose, prevent, and treat cancer more effectively.Types of Hereditary Cancers We Assess
You may benefit from a genetic risk assessment if you have a family history of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, an early diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer, or multiple cancer diagnoses within your family.
A genetic risk assessment is recommended for individuals with a family history of early colorectal or endometrial cancer diagnoses, multiple colorectal polyps, or family members with several types of cancer, including gastric cancer.
How Genetic Counseling and Testing Works
Our Genetic Counseling and Testing program is designed to assess your inherited cancer risk, providing a personalized approach to your care.
During your visit, you’ll meet with cancer specialists and a genetics counselor to evaluate your personal and family risk and discuss cancer screening options.
Once results are available, we provide genetic education and counseling for you and your family, helping you make informed decisions about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
You may opt for genetic testing to detect specific gene mutations that could indicate a higher risk of cancer.
Next Generation Sequencing for Personalized Cancer Treatment
With next generation sequencing of DNA and RNA, we can refine treatment decisions and create personalized treatment plans for both blood cancers and solid tumors. Our partnership with Anthology Diagnostics and Genomic Testing Cooperative (GTC) gives patients access to advanced genomic profiling technologies that guide the management of cancer care.
Insurance Coverage for Genetic Counseling and Testing
Many insurance companies cover the cost of genetic counseling and genetic testing when medically necessary. Some managed care plans may require pre-authorization.
Our Genetic Counseling Specialists
At John Theurer Cancer Center, our expert Genetic Counseling Specialists provide comprehensive genetic counseling and testing for individuals with a family or personal history of cancer. This service allows you to make proactive, informed decisions about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
