When you or a loved one faces a cancer diagnosis, you may wonder if it is hereditary cancer and if others in your family could be at risk for the same or similar cancer. Our genetic testing and counseling care team at Ascension Illinois Cancer Care in communities throughout the greater Chicago area has the expertise to help. Knowing this information can help guide care plan decisions, including increased cancer screening, considering medications to lower cancer risk, and preventive strategies. Sometimes, It can also guide decisions you and your doctor make about cancer treatment.
Genetic testing and genetic counseling for hereditary cancer
Our experienced cancer doctors and genetics-trained nurse practitioners and genetic counselors are part of a national team, sharing best practices and the latest in genomic medicine – bringing the best of cancer care to you. Every appointment with your care team starts with a compassionate conversation. And we’ll connect you with a cancer genetics specialist who can do a genetic risk assessment and answer your questions – big and small.
Your gynecologist, primary care doctor or oncology specialist may recommend genetic testing. At Ascension Illinois Cancer Care, our genetics team helps individuals with a family history of cancer and do not have cancer but want to know their risks and potential steps to lower the risk. Our team also works with patients diagnosed with cancer to analyze gene changes. Your genetics counselor explains the risks of inherited cancer and how genetic testing can be a useful part of your care plan. We’ll discuss hereditary cancer and how the condition can impact family members. Our genetic counseling services include:
- Detailed family history with a focus on cancer
- Risk assessment for possible hereditary cancer syndromes in the family
- Discussion about the likelihood that the patient will test positive for a gene change (mutation) in one or more of the genes to be analyzed
- Benefits and considerations of genetic testing for inherited cancer risk
- Goals of testing (such as risk-reduction and preventive care)
- Possible test results
- Test options and decision making to choose the best fit
- Limitations of testing
- Discussion about the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act and limited protections
- Implications of genetic testing for at-risk family members
- Cost of testing
Provider referrals: Fax to 847-755-8779
Multigene panel testing and genetic syndrome testing
Some cancers can run in families. If you have family members who have or have previously been diagnosed with cancer, talk to your doctor to see if you should be referred to a genetic specialist. Our care team will help determine if you should have hereditary cancer testing or more frequent cancer screening based on your family history. Cancers that are caused by inherited genes are called hereditary cancer syndromes. We provide multigene panel testing (MGPT).
Other genetic syndromes we test for include:
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, and many other genes)
- Lynch syndrome, which is linked to an increased risk for cancers of the colon, uterus, and other organs (includes the MSH2, MLH1, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM genes)
- Polyposis, or the presence of numerous intestinal polyps, which may become cancerous (includes APC, MUTYH, and other genes)
- And many other hereditary cancer syndromes associated with cancers of the breast, ovaries, uterus, colon, prostate, pancreas, stomach, kidneys, skin, blood, and endocrine system
Benefits of having your genetic tests at Ascension Illinois
Your doctor may recommend hereditary genetic tests based on a blood or saliva sample. Many of these tests require pre-approval from your health insurance. Hereditary genetic testing should include a discussion with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about hereditary cancer testing, such as a board-certified genetic counselor and genetics-trained nurse practitioner with certification in genetics. At Ascension Illinois Cancer Care, our doctors and genetic specialists provide appointments either in person or through a virtual visit (telehealth). To learn more about our genetic services and options for virtual care, call Ascension Illinois Cancer Care at:
Our genetics counselors review the risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing with you. They also explain the options for genetic testing and the possible test results. After testing, we explain genetic test results in plain language, and discuss the possible impact on treatment, recommended screening guidelines and the possible impact on family members. When needed, we connect the dots to advanced care and treatment.
Financial assistance and support is available
Genetic counseling is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicaid in most states, when certain criteria are met. We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.
Your genetic provider will evaluate your personal and family history to see if you meet the criteria set up by your insurer. For patients who do not meet the criteria, or with no coverage for genetic testing, there are low-cost and self-pay options. For individuals who do not have insurance coverage, some laboratories provide financial assistance to cover most or all of the cost.
Genetic services for cancer care close to home
Specialists at Ascension Illinois sites of care in the Chicagoland area can connect you and your family to the latest genetic tests, counseling and telehealth services.
Our cancer specialists at Ascension Saint Francis in Evanston and Ascension Saint Mary - Kankakee Cancer Care Bourbonnais can coordinate a telehealth appointment with a genetic counselor or nurse practitioner. If you prefer, we can schedule an in-person consultation at one of the Ascension Illinois locations listed above.
Talk to your doctor to see if genetic testing and counseling are right for you.
