Cancer genetic counselors help people understand and adapt to inherited risk for cancer. VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center offers genetic counseling by licensed genetic counselors, certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling The counselors help people both with and without cancer to develop a cancer prevention and/or treatment plan for them and their families. Services may include a full range of testing for inherited (genetic) mutations for all types of cancers, as well as access to clinical trials. Our cancer genetic counselors serve as part of a multidisciplinary cancer care team.
Our services include:
- Review and consultation by a team of board-certified genetic counselors and clinical geneticists
- Diagnosis of inherited (genetic) cancer conditions
- Cancer risk assessment
- Tailored cancer prevention, screening, and/or treatment recommendations
- Information for other family members
- Consent and laboratory testing for inherited (genetic) cancer mutations
- Information about research programs and/or clinical trials
- Referrals to other specialists for tailored care
When are genetic services needed?
Below is a general checklist to see if cancer genetic counseling could help you and your family. Having something on this list does not necessarily mean that you have a hereditary cancer condition; always talk with your doctor or genetic counselor for a hereditary cancer diagnosis.
Family history checklist:
| ___ | Many relatives with the same types of cancer |
| ___ | A family member with a rare cancer |
| ___ | Cancer happening at earlier ages than usual for the type of cancer |
| ___ | A family member with two different types of cancer (not one cancer that spreads) |
Information to collect before a genetic counseling appointment
More information
To make an appointment, please phone (804) 828-7999. If you have questions or would like to discuss your situation, please email us at cancergenetics@vcuhealth.org.
John Quillin, Ph.D., C.G.C., (804) 628-1925
Heather Creswick, M.S., C.G.C., (804) 828-6245
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