The UAB Clinical Cancer Genetics

Although cancer is usually unforeseeable, 5-10% of cases are predictable due to harmful differences (mutations) present in a patient’s genes, inherited at birth. The UAB Clinical Cancer Genetics team helps you understand your risk of cancer due to your family history and determines if further testing will clarify your risk level.

Why would you consider genetic counseling and testing with us? With family and genetic information, our geneticists (physicians with special training in genetics) and genetic counselors (professionals with training in genetics and counseling) can:

• Help you take steps to reduce your risk of certain cancers.
• Test for and identify cancers at an early and more treatable stage.
• Customize cancer treatments for you based on your genetics.

A genetic counseling appointment could be helpful for you in the following situations:

• Cancer diagnosis at an early age
• Diagnosis of multiple cancers
• Diagnosis of bilateral cancer (those that occur in both sides of an organ pair)
• Similar cancers have occurred among your close relatives.
• Cancers have occurred across multiple generations in your family.
• Diagnosis of rare cancers or tumors
• Your family has a history of a gene mutation that is known to heighten cancer risk.

What is a Genetic Counseling Appointment?

Appointments consist of time with a geneticist and a genetic counselor who will share their knowledge of hereditary cancer mutations and discuss which mutations could affect you. They will evaluate your personal and family medical history to assess the risk of cancer occurrence; educate you regarding genetic testing options and risk management; and provide you with the information to make the best decisions. To learn more about genetic counseling, visit http://www.nsgc.org.