Genetic Counseling for Cancer Risk in Females: What to Know

Genetic counselors are experts in how the risk for some cancers can run in families. Talking with a genetic counselor can help you decide if you want to have genetic tests to learn more about your risk for these cancers.

Genetic counseling can teach you about the benefits and risks of testing. If you choose to have tests, the counselor can help you understand what the results mean. This information can help you make the best decisions for you and your family.

How do genes affect cancer risk?

Genes control how your cells grow and divide. Abnormal changes in genes, also called gene mutations, can cause cells to grow and divide too quickly. This can lead to cancer. Some cancers are caused by gene changes that are inherited, which means they're passed down in families.

• Breast.
• Ovaries.
• Colon or rectum.
• Pancreas.
• Lining of the uterus (endometrium).
• Eye.
• Kidney.

Other rare cancers may also occur as the result of an inherited gene.

Who may benefit from having genetic counseling?

• You have two or more close relatives (like parents, siblings, or grandparents) with:
  • Cancer that started before age 50 or at a younger age than usual for that type of cancer.
  • The same type of cancer.
  • Breast cancer in both breasts.
  • Cancers that are linked to gene changes that raise the risk of cancer.
• You have a close relative with more than one type of cancer or with a rare cancer.
• You have a close relative who has already had a gene change found during genetic testing.
• You're part of an ethnic group that has been linked to a genetic cancer.
• You have a condition, such as colon polyps, that may be linked to a genetic cancer.

Close relatives include parents, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

What happens during cancer genetic counseling?

Often, you'll see a genetic counselor before and after testing is done. A counselor will tell you how the tests are done and what the results mean.

• Your medical history and your family's cancer history.
• Your risk for getting a genetic cancer.
• Whether you should be tested for a changed gene linked to cancer.
• What type of genetic tests would be helpful.
• The meaning of a test result and what the next steps are.
• Ways you can reduce your cancer risk after testing.
• Things to consider about planning a family.

What is a genetic test?

A genetic test is usually a blood test. It checks for a gene change that raises your risk of a certain type of cancer. Genetic tests only tell you if you have a specific gene change and can't tell you if you'll get cancer.

What are the benefits of genetic testing for cancer?

If your test doesn't find a changed gene, you may be relieved to know that you're not at higher risk for a genetic cancer. This information is also helpful to your close relatives. It means they're also not at higher risk.

• Start making lifestyle changes to reduce your risk for that cancer.
• Have screening tests more often to find any cancer early. This will allow treatment to start as soon as possible.
• Take part in research to help prevent or cure cancer in the future.

What are the risks of genetic testing?

Talk with your provider about the risks of genetic testing. This will help you decide what's right for you and your family.

Where to find support

• Your health care provider or genetic counselor. Ask about support groups.
• Online support groups.
• National Society of Genetic Counselors: aboutgeneticcounselors.com

Where to find more information

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov.
  1. Click "Search" and type "genetic counseling and testing."
  2. Find the link you need.
• American Cancer Society at cancer.org.
  1. Click "Search" and type "genetic testing for cancer risk."
  2. Find the link you need.