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Genetic Counseling

genetic counseling

Some people have a family history of cancer or are born with a genetic variant that is associated with cancer risk. These genetic variants may be passed down through generations in a family, and while having a genetic variant does not guarantee that cancer will develop, it can lead to an increased risk for developing cancer.

For more information about Genetic Counseling, call 219-703-2427.

Genetic counselors:

  • Are healthcare professionals who have received specialized training in medical genetics and counseling.
  • Educate patients about their cancer risks based on their personal and family history. 
  • Inform patients of genetic testing options that may help them learn more about their cancer risks.
  • Provide patients with recommendations for cancer screenings.

You might consider seeing a genetic counselor if you or someone in your family has:

  • A known variant in a gene that increases the risk for cancer such as in BRCA1 or BRCA2
  • Bilateral cancer such as in both breasts or both ovaries or multiple primary breast cancers
  • A history of breast cancer:
    • At age 50 or younger
    • At any age and a family member with breast cancer at age 50 or younger
  • Three total diagnoses of breast cancer in the family at any age
  • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
  • A history of ovarian cancer at any age
  • A history of pancreatic, metastatic prostate or male breast cancer at any age
  • A history of colorectal or uterine cancer:
    • Younger than 50 years of age
    • A history of an MMR deficient tumor
    • A family history of colorectal or uterine cancer
    • A history of 20 or more total colorectal polyps over a lifetime
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