Genetic services enhance our cancer care options
When you or a loved one faces a cancer diagnosis, you may wonder if the cancer is a hereditary cancer and if others in your family could be at risk for the same or similar cancer. Knowing this information can help guide care plan decisions, including increased cancer screening, considering medications to lower cancer risk, and preventive strategies. It can also sometimes guide decisions you and your doctor make about cancer treatment. Specialists at Ascension Saint Thomas sites of care in Nashville, Tennessee, can connect you and your family to the latest genetic tests and genetic counseling. Our experienced cancer doctors 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 doctor starts with a compassionate conversation. And we’ll connect you with a genetic counselor who can do a genetic risk assessment and answer your questions – big and small.
Your genetic counselor at Ascension Saint Thomas Cancer Care explains the risks of inherited cancer and how genetic testing can be a useful part of your care plan, as well as the impact on care for family members. Our licensed genetic counselors provide:
- 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 mutation
- 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
- The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act and limited protections
- Implications of genetic testing for at-risk family members
- Cost of testing
Call Ascension Medical Group Saint Thomas Family Risk Services, 615-284-2276. If you are a healthcare provider, referrals can be faxed to 615-284-1882.
Genetic testing for hereditary cancers, close to home
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. The genetic counselor 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. Oncologists and our certified genetic counselor at Ascension Saint Thomas Cancer Care 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 Saint Thomas
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 or an advanced practice provider with certification in genetics. At Ascension Saint Thomas Cancer Care and Ascension Saint Thomas Family Cancer Risk Services, our doctors and genetic counselors offer appointments either in person or through a virtual visit (telehealth). To learn more about options for virtual care, call 615-284-2276.
Genetics providers 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, genetic providers 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 those who do not meet the criteria, or with no coverage for genetic testing, there are low-cost and self-pay options. For those who do not have insurance coverage, some laboratories provide financial assistance to cover most or all of the cost.
Locations
Ascension Saint Thomas has cancer centers and clinics throughout Middle Tennessee – Nashville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville and Woodbury. Talk to your doctor to see if genetic testing and counseling are right for you.