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Hereditary Cancer Risk Evaluation Program
Experts say approximately 10 percent of cancer cases are related to hereditary factors passed from one generation of a family to the next. Indicators for a hereditary cancer risk include a family history of specific cancer types, young age of onset, or several affected family members.
If you, or other family members, have a history of any type of cancer, the Redeemer Health Hereditary Cancer Risk Evaluation Program can help. In addition to the genetic counselor, our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals is experienced in both medical genetics and therapeutic counseling to help assist and support you in risk factor reduction recommendations. Acting as decision-making facilitators and advocates, we:
- Thoroughly answer questions about how family history, age, and reproductive history may impact your cancer risk
- Translate complex genetic information into understandable facts
- Help patients make informed decisions about their genetic testing options
Where to begin
Fully understanding your hereditary cancer risk factors can be empowering. From an initial consultation with our genetic counselor, we provide an actionable “road map” that may include:
- A hereditary cancer assessment, including lifestyle and environmental exposure
- A comprehensive, cancer-specific genetic evaluation, including a personalized analysis and risk calculation
- Exploration of customized risk reduction options and appropriate screening recommendations
- When appropriate, our trained staff will coordinate genetic testing and provide a thorough interpretation of the results and implications
- Appropriate referral resources for follow-up and support
- Provide a supportive and empowering environment for confident decision-making, including a free support group for men and women to discuss concerns about their genetic susceptibility to various cancers
Who can participate?
Initial evaluation through the Redeemer Health Hereditary Cancer Risk Evaluation Program is available to anyone concerned about cancer risk. After a consultation meeting with your genetic counselor, additional tests may be recommended. Your counselor can help advise whether these tests will be covered by your health insurance provider. Additionally, based on your needs the genetic counselor can assemble support from an integrated medical team.
Preparing for your Appointment:
Come prepared with your personal medical history (and records, if possible), including current and past medical conditions, surgeries, biopsies, and screenings (colonoscopies, mammograms, skin, etc.). Gather as much information about your family's health history as possible. Our Family History Questionnaire can assist with this process. The most important information to include is:
- Relationship (parent, sibling, grandparent, etc.)
- Type of cancer
- Age of cancer diagnosis
- Age of death (if no longer living)
- If a family member had genetic testing (and a copy of their results, if possible)
If if the age is unknown, the approximate decade in which it took place is still helpful.
Please bring the following to your appointment:
- A copy of your insurance card
- A script from your physician
- Family History Questionnaire
For more information or to start a conversation about your hereditary cancer risks, call 215-938-3555 and speak with our genetic counselor today
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