Genetic Counseling Services Help Patients Understand Their Cancer Risk

As the new year begins, many  individuals are looking for ways to take charge of their health. For those seeking answers  about personal or family cancer risk, Houston Methodist hospitals in The Woodlands, West  Houston, and Sugar Land provide comprehensive genetic counseling services. These  programs help patients understand their genetic risk factors and make informed decisions  about preventive care and treatment options. 

Genetic counseling helps assess hereditary risks for a wide range of cancers, including: 

• Breast 

• Ovarian 

• Pancreatic 

• Prostate 

• Melanoma 

• Colorectal 

• Small bowel 

• Adrenal 

• Kidney 

• Bladder 

• Rare conditions and soft tissue sarcomas 

"While genetic testing cannot replace routine cancer screenings, genetic counseling can  help individuals come up with a cancer screening schedule that is personalized to their  family and personal history,” Callie McCormack, genetic counselor at Houston Methodist The  Woodlands Hospital said. “For those who are not interested in genetic testing, genetic  counseling can also help with cancer risk assessment." 

HOW IT WORKS:  

• Referral Required: Patients interested in genetic counseling should speak with their  primary care provider, OB/GYN, or oncologist for a referral.

• Testing: Blood or saliva samples are collected and sent for analysis. Testing often  begins with a focused panel of 8–10 high-risk genes, followed by a broader panel of  up to 82 genes. 

• Results: Results are typically available within 3–4 weeks and are often reviewed  during a follow-up appointment, which may include a high-risk assessment and  recommendations for additional screening. 

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER GENETIC COUNSELING?  

• Individuals diagnosed with cancer at age 65 or younger. 

• Those with a first- or second-degree relative who were diagnosed with cancer before  age 50. 

• Patients with aggressive cancers (i.e., triple-negative breast cancer). • Individuals with limited or unknown family history, including those who were adopted. 

COST & COVERAGE:  

Most insurance plans cover genetic testing for patients who meet clinical criteria. For those  without coverage, self-pay options are available at Houston Methodist starting at  approximately $249. Financial assistance programs based on income and household size are also available to patients who need it.  

WHAT DO MY RESULTS MEAN?  

If a patient’s results indicate elevated or high risk, they may be recommended for: 

• Earlier and more frequent imaging (i.e. mammograms or breast MRIs starting at  age 25 for those with elevated breast cancer risks) 

• Preventive medications to reduce risk for breast and ovarian cancer • Prophylactic surgery, such as bilateral mastectomy, which can reduce breast  cancer risk by up to 96% 

To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit Houston Methodist online or speak with  your health care provider about a referral. 

Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital

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