Hereditary Cancer Screening and Risk Reduction Program
Designed to help individuals and families with inherited cancer syndromes or a family history of cancer
Does Cancer Run in Your Family?
If you or someone in your family has had cancer, you may qualify for a special test called hereditary genetic testing.
If you have a known personal or family history of any of the following, you may be ideally suited to meet with one of our team members:
- Multiple cancers on the same side of the family
- Developing cancer at age 50 or younger
- Rare cancers, including ovarian cancer, pancreatic, or abnormal tumor testing that could be associated with hereditary cancer syndromes
We will specifically:
- Review personal and family history to assess cancer risk
- Provide genetic counseling and testing
- Provide a personalized screening plan and recommendations for risk-reducing measures
- Offer guidance for talking with family about their cancer risk
Schedule Your Appointment
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or have questions, please complete the form below or call us. For your convenience, initial appointments are performed via telemedicine. All visits are subject to individual insurance copays/deductibles. Most qualified individuals incur little to no expense for the genetic testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how genetic testing can protect you and your family’s health. Here's a breakdown of some frequently asked questions.
- This test checks your DNA for changes that could increase your risk of certain cancers. It does not mean you are going to get cancer.
- People who should consider this test include those with a personal or family history of breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, other rare cancers and cancers diagnosed before age 50.
- Learning about your personal risk: If the test is positive, you will be offered extra screenings for cancers you may be at risk for. It also helps you know steps you can take to lower your risk. The goal is to prevent cancer or catch it early when it’s easiest to treat.
- Learning about your family’s risk: If you test positive, there is a 50% chance that your close family members (children, siblings, and parents) may also be at risk and should consider testing.
- Cancer treatments: If you have already been diagnosed with cancer this test can help your doctor choose the best surgeries and medications for you.
- Emotional impact: Some people may not want to know if they or their family members are at a higher risk. This is a very personal decision.
- Privacy concerns: Testing is done by certified labs that only check for cancer risks. They do not share this information with others and destroy genetic samples a few months after testing.
- Insurance/Discrimination: A federal law (GINA) protects your health insurance. If you test positive, health insurance companies cannot use this to raise premiums or cancel coverage. However, GINA does not protect life insurance, disability, or long-term care insurance, but a positive genetic test would not affect a policy you already have.
- Cost: You may need to pay co-pays or deductibles for your initial counseling visit. Genetic testing is separately charged by testing companies. It is usually covered if you meet certain criteria (subject to co-pays). If you have a high deductible or your insurance denies the test, the cost is $250 out of pocket.
- The test can be done with a blood draw, saliva or cheek swab.
- You can have the counseling visit through telemedicine, and a saliva test can be sent to your home. You don’t need to visit a physical location for either counseling or testing!