Providence Cancer Institute Franz Genetic Risk Clinic
At our Providence Genetic Risk Clinics, patients can meet with a genetic specialist to assess their individual cancer risk.
It is not possible to predict who will develop cancer. But it is possible to learn more about your cancer risk factors, the strategies for managing risk and if cancer could be caused by an inherited gene mutation. It is important to note that this may or may not include genetic testing.
Providence Cancer Institute Franz Genetic Risk Clinic
At our Providence Genetic Risk Clinics, patients can meet with a genetic specialist to assess their individual cancer risk.
It is not possible to predict who will develop cancer. But it is possible to learn more about your cancer risk factors, the strategies for managing risk and if cancer could be caused by an inherited gene mutation. It is important to note that this may or may not include genetic testing.
Our Approach
If you have a history of cancer or are currently receiving treatment for cancer, your care team may recommend genetic testing and counseling at the Providence Genetic Risk Clinic. Our team of specialists can help you determine the risk of developing cancer and other various diseases.
Our geneticist will discuss the following topics with you:
- Your personal cancer risk factors based on medical history and lifestyle factors
- How your family history of cancer influences your risk
- Whether genetic testing is likely to benefit you
- Personalized set of cancer screening tests
- Strategies to reduce your cancer risk
For patients with an active diagnosis of cancer, genetic testing and counseling may help determine if the cancer is caused by an inherited mutation. This can help you and your care team determine your specific treatment plans and if your family members would benefit from testing.
Meet the Team
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
Supporting Our Patients
Providence Cancer Institute has a vast team of experts who provide you with care:
- Oncology nurse navigators work directly with your oncologists, surgeons, and care team to help you better understand and follow your treatment plans.
- Oncology social workers are trained counselors who help patients and families cope with the emotional stresses and practical concerns associated with cancer.
- Oncology nutrition. Our registered dietitians specialize in cancer nutrition and help with the way cancer and cancer treatments might affect the way your body uses nutrients and tolerates certain foods.
- Integrative medicine offers an excellent complement to conventional medicine to help patients achieve optimal health. Services include acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, naturopathy, therapeutic massage and more.
- Palliative care focuses on improving your physical, emotional and spiritual health, giving special attention to relieving pain and other distressing symptoms.
- Cancer rehabilitation combines evidence-based cancer rehabilitation practices with services to address side effects and symptoms and help patients recover their energy, well-being and quality of life faster and more completely.
Providence Cancer Institute provides an extra dimension of care through our many support services and cancer resources:
- Support groups are a free service led by our professional staff to provide education and support to any person with cancer in our community and their loved ones.
- Peer support is offered by trained volunteers who provide one-on-one peer support for patients with cancer and their caregivers. It’s an opportunity to talk about your fears or concerns with a person who comes from a place of understanding.
- The Living Well Guide is designed to provide our patients with one reference for all contact numbers, support services and self-care information. Available in several languages.
- The Living Well Through Cancer Treatment and Beyond Video Series will give you information, support and hope. Each video features patient stories and experiences with helpful advice from cancer care experts. Available in several languages.
These include:
- Childcare
- Financial resources
- Guest housing
- Lending libraries
- Rehabilitation services
- Transportation resources
- Wellness classes
- Screening and prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
During your visit, we will:
- Document your personal and family cancer history, and construct an illustrated medical family tree (also known as a pedigree)
- Address your specific questions and concerns
- Provide a personalized cancer risk assessment based on the information provided
- Review the risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing options to determine if testing is right for you
For individuals who elect genetic testing, it’s typically ordered during the initial consult visit. We meet with you a few weeks later to discuss the results and revise your risk assessment and recommendations.
Some people find it helpful to have a support person, such as a friend, spouse or relative, present at a genetics consult. They can provide an extra set of ears or emotional support. Others may want to bring a sibling or adult child who could be directly impacted by the information discussed.
It’s an individual decision if you’d like someone to accompany you, and it’s totally up to you. We do encourage you to keep the content of the discussion in mind. During a genetics consult, we discuss your personal medical and family history, and in some cases genetic test results. Please be aware that your support person will be present during this discussion.
You’ll receive a detailed personal medical and family history questionnaire to complete before your visit:
- Whenever possible, collect medical records, like pathology reports or genetic testing reports, for family members who have had cancer.
- While this isn’t mandatory for a genetics consult, it may be necessary to provide specific answers to your questions and the most accurate personal risk assessment.
- Details about family members who had cancer may also be necessary to meet the criteria required by your insurance to cover genetic testing.
- Keep in mind that it can take time to get appropriate details from family members. We recommend that you start gathering information as soon as possible.
If you currently have cancer or are recovering from cancer:
- We want to know details about the type of cancer.
- This can be obtained from pathology reports done at the time of biopsy or surgery.
- If your treatment wasn’t performed at Providence, we may need your help to request these records.
Health insurance typically covers a consultation appointment, which is independent of any genetic testing cost or authorizations. Most insurance companies also cover the cost of genetic testing for individuals with cancer or those considered at high risk of disease.
If you are uninsured, other means of assistance may be available. Please ask us about options.
Part of Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon
Providence Cancer Institute is a leading provider of cancer care in Oregon, and part of the largest community-based cancer-care network in the United States. Regardless of where you go for care, you have an entire team of cancer experts working together to provide a personalized, whole-person approach to your care. At Providence we see more than a cancer diagnosis, we see the life in you and are committed to helping you live well again.