Upmc Genetics (2024)

FAQs

What questions are asked during genetic counseling? ›

Some of the reasons why you might have been referred to clinical genetics include: You have a known genetic condition in the family, and want to know the risks to you and/or your children. You have a child with difficulties which may be due to a genetic condition, and want to see if a diagnosis can be made.

Who should consider genetic testing for inherited cancer risk? Clinical practice guidelines recommend genetic testing for anyone diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer before age 50, metastatic prostate cancer, or male breast cancer.

Genetic counseling gives you information about how genetic conditions might affect you or your family. The genetic counselor or other healthcare professional will collect your personal and family health history.

Before you have genetic testing, gather as much information as you can about your family's medical history. Then, talk with your doctor or a genetic counselor about your personal and family medical history to better understand your risk. Ask questions and discuss any concerns about genetic testing at that meeting.

Three major types of genetic testing are available in laboratories: cytogenetic (to examine whole chromosomes), biochemical (to measure protein produced by genes), and molecular (to look for small DNA mutations).

The reasons that a person might be referred to a genetic counselor, medical geneticist, or other genetics professional include: A personal or family history of a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosomal disorder, or hereditary cancer. Two or more pregnancy losses (miscarriages), a stillbirth, or a baby who died.

Does insurance cover genetic testing? ›

Paying for Genetic Testing. Will my insurance company pay for genetic testing? The short answer to this question is yes; most likely your insurance company will provide coverage for genetic testing. Patients with private insurance: Most private insurance companies cover the cost of genetic testing.

They typically range from $100 to $2,000. These tests are typically used when a person has a family history of a certain genetic disorder, or when an individual has specific symptoms that suggest a genetic condition. One of the most well-known single-gene tests is for BRCA1 (Breast Cancer gene 1).

Your genetic counselor will likely ask you questions about your medical history and your family history. It can be helpful to talk with your relatives about your family history before your appointment. You may also benefit from writing down a list of any questions you may have for your genetic counselor.

Genetic counselors do not: Require you to have genetic tests – Genetic counselors inform you about your options, answer questions and provide information and guidance about genetic testing you can consider. They do not force testing on you.

5.1 Role of Genetic Counseling

They help to identify families at possible risk of a genetic disorder, gather and analyze family history and inheritance patterns, calculate risks of recurrence, and provide information about genetic testing and related procedures.

The counselor will ask you questions about your family's health history and your medical history. Here is some information that will help the genetic counselor work with you: S/he will ask about your own cancer experience, including type(s), part of the body affected, and age of diagnosis.

Genetic counseling gives you information about health concerns that run in your family. It includes a review of family history, health history, pregnancy history, or all three. The goal of genetic counseling may be to: Check your risk of having a baby with possible health problems.