Genetic Counseling
Choosing to participate in genetic counseling and testing at the Providence Cancer Partnership can help you determine your risk, and the risk of your family members, for developing certain hereditary cancers, including breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, uterine, stomach and melanoma.
Our trained genetics providers meet with patients and their family members to review their medical histories and determine which, if any, genetic tests are appropriate, as well as discuss the risks, advantages and disadvantages, and costs.
If you choose to have genetic testing done, your results can help determine your risk of developing a hereditary cancer or other life-threatening illness. They can also help us create a personalized risk reduction plan for you, which may include enhanced screenings, lifestyle and wellness programs, medications and surgery options, as well as specialized cancer genetics programs.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 425-297-6850 or visit our office. We’re located on the first floor of the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership building. Parking is available in the parking garage attached to the building for a minimal fee based on how long you’re there. There is also street parking available for 90 minutes at no cost.
The genetic specialists will provide information that patients can use for cancer prevention and early detection, including:
- Your personal risk factors based on your medical history and lifestyle factors
- How your family’s cancer history may influence your risk
- Strategies to reduce your cancer risk
Our genetic counseling services include:
- Cancer genetic testing, including for BRCA, PALB2, ATM and multiple other cancer genes
- Cancer risk assessment to aid prevention and risk reduction
- Drop-in testing clinic for patients with prostate, pancreatic and ovarian cancer (open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
During your visit, we will:
- Document your personal and family 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 your information
- Review the risk, benefits and limitations of genetic testing options to determine if it’s right for you
You can call us to schedule an appointment. If your insurance company requires a referral, please call your primary care provider’s office to request one.
Once you’ve scheduled an appointment, we’ll send you an online questionnaire by email, which asks questions about your personal and family history. Some of the questions may require getting details from family members. For this reason, we recommend you start gathering information as soon as possible.
At your appointment, your genetics provider will go over your personal and family history with you, give you information about cancer genetics, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of genetic testing. At that time, you can ask questions and decide if genetic testing is right for you.
The cost of testing depends on her personal/family history and insurance. An out-of-pocket option is available for $250 if you do not meet your insurance criteria.