If my family is at risk for hereditary cancer, but we do not really wish to pursue genetic testing, is a genetic counselling appointment still available to us?
Yes. A genetic counselling appointment does not always require that a family will be eligible for, or interested in, genetic testing. Genetic counselling involves a discussion about the chance of hereditary cancer and the risks for cancer for family members. Most importantly, we can also discuss the appropriate clinical screening recommendations for family members (eg. who should have a colonoscopy, at what age should screening begin, and how often) based on the cancer diagnoses in the family. There is also discussion about other cancer types that the family could be at risk for. Often, families may have other questions or concerns about the family history and hereditary cancer and this would be a good opportunity to discuss.
Related Questions
- If my family is at risk for hereditary cancer, but we do not really wish to pursue genetic testing, is a genetic counselling appointment still available to us?
- Who should have genetic testing to see if they are at increased risk of cancer due to hereditary factors?
- Who should consider genetic counseling for hereditary cancer risk?
