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FAQ: Cancer Risk Program

	Do I have to have genetic testing if I see a genetic counselor?
	Why is genetic counseling an important part of genetic testing?
	What can I do if I learn I have an increased chance of getting cancer?
	I’ve already had cancer. What can I learn from genetic counseling?
	What about insurance discrimination and confidentiality?

Do I have to have genetic testing if I see a genetic counselor?

No. Genetic counseling involves a detailed evaluation of your family history and family medical records and education about hereditary cancer. Following the initial consultation, some people decide to pursue genetic testing to learn more about the level of cancer risk in their family. Others learn that their family history is not suggestive of an inherited predisposition, or they choose to not pursue genetic testing at this time. These families can still benefit from receiving education about cancer risk, as well as personalized cancer screening and prevention guidelines.

Why is genetic counseling an important part of genetic testing?

The genetic tests that are currently available cannot explain the strong history of cancer in many families. It is important to document the family history in detail so we can provide recommendations for early detection or prevention of cancer, even when genetic testing is not informative. Genetic counseling also addresses important aspects of testing, such as the implications and options for the patient and the impact on family members.

What can I do if I learn I have an increased chance of getting cancer?

There are a variety of options available to people who have an increased chance of cancer based on their family history or genetic testing results, such as increased surveillance or monitoring, chemoprevention, including medications that reduce the chance of cancer and risk-reducing surgery. There are also new methods of cancer detection and prevention that are being developed, some of which are available through the UCSF Cancer Risk Program as clinical trials. All of these options can be discussed in detail at your visit.

I’ve already had cancer. What can I learn from genetic counseling?

People who have already had cancer may learn about steps they can take to detect or reduce the chance of other cancers. For example, a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer can be associated with an increased chance of ovarian cancer. Genetic counseling will also provide information about whether other people in their family have an increased chance of developing cancer. There are steps they can take to detect cancer early or prevent it from occurring.

What about insurance discrimination and confidentiality?

There are laws in California and most other states preventing health insurers from using genetic testing results to discriminate against individuals. This means that a health insurer cannot raise your rates, drop your coverage or deny you coverage based on the results of genetic testing.

In addition to the existing legal protection, the Cancer Risk Program has multiple procedures in place to protect the confidentiality of your genetic counseling and genetic testing information. All of our records, including genetic test results, are kept separate from your UCSF medical chart. None of this information will be released without your written consent.

For More Information

Cancer Risk Program
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
1600 Divisadero St.
Second Floor
San Francisco, CA 94143-1714

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.