For more information, or to schedule

an appointment, please phone:

906.225.3922 or 1.800.562.9753, Ext. 3922

Hereditary Cancer Program

UP Health SystemHereditary Cancer Program

1414 W. Fair Avenue - Suite 332 Marquette, MI 49855

Genetic counseling and testing services for those at increased risk to have a

hereditary form of cancer

Is genetic counseling or testing right for you? The UP Health System Hereditary Cancer Program offers genetic counseling and testing services to people at increased risk to have a hereditary

form of cancer. The program is run by Rebecca MacFalda, MS, Board Certified Genetic Counselor, in collaboration with the oncologists at UP Health System.

If you want to have genetic testing for a hereditary cancer gene, this can usually be done at the same time

as the counseling appointment. However, having an appointment does not mean that you have to have genetic testing. Genetic counseling can be helpful for people who don’t know if they want to have genetic testing or not, to learn more about hereditary cancers and genetic testing, including benefits and limitations of testing, which may help them decide what they would like to do.

Rebecca MacFalda, MS

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When to see a genetic counselorIf you or your doctor are concerned about the possibility of a hereditary cancer gene, or hereditary cancer syndrome, in your family, you may be referred to the Hereditary Cancer Program for more information.

What’s hereditary cancer syndrome?Between 5-10% of cancers are thought to be hereditary. A hereditary cancer syndrome refers to when there is a gene that is being passed through the family that causes a higher-than-normal risk of cancer. In families with hereditary cancer, it is common for people to be diagnosed at an earlier age (often before age 50), have multiple primary cancers or bilateral cancer (both sides), and for multiple family members to have the same type of cancers.

The most common hereditary cancers usually involve breast, ovarian, colon and endometrial (uterine) cancers, but almost any type of cancer can be hereditary.

What’s genetic counselor?A genetic counselor is a health care provider who has graduate training in medical genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors help people understand complex genetic information related to their family history. Genetic counselors can help you to make informed, personalized decisions about your genetic health by providing you with information related to your genetic risk for cancer.

What happens at a genetic counseling appointment?Typically, you will meet with a genetic counselor and an oncologist during this visit. The genetic counselor will review your personal and family history information and discuss the chance that you have a hereditary cancer syndrome. This appointment usually takes about an hour, and includes a discussion about how genes play a role in cancer, the specific genes that might be present in your family, the cancer risks associated with those genes, screening recommendations and risk reduction options for people at high risk for certain cancers, and genetic testing options. The oncologist will review the information, order testing (if desired), and/or make medical management recommendations.

Will my insurance pay for genetic testing?Most insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, do cover genetic testing for hereditary cancers. Sometimes, the insurance company has criterion that needs to be met before testing is covered. This will be discussed by the genetic counselor at your appointment. Before any testing is run, the testing labs will typically check your insurance to determine if the testing is covered.

What can I do to prepare for my appointment?It is very helpful for the genetic counselor to have as much correct information as possible about your family’s medical history before your appointment. Spend some time talking to family members to find out as much as you can. The most important information about your family history would be: • What type of cancer did your family member

have? • At what age were they first diagnosed? • What is the current age or age of death for

all relatives, including ones that did not have cancer?

Many times, people do not know the exact age that someone had cancer or their current age. If you have a general idea of how old they were, that is also helpful. For example, did you aunt have breast cancer in her 30s-40s, or in her 70s-80s?

It can also be helpful to write down any questions or concerns you may have, so you can be sure to get the most out of your appointment.

Why would I want to know if I have a high risk for cancer?If you are found to have a hereditary cancer syndrome, your chances of developing certain types of cancer are much higher than normal. Because of these high risks, specialized cancer screening is usually recommended. There are also risk-reducing options available for certain cancers that can dramatically reduce your cancer risk. Genetic testing may also provide information for your family members.