Genetic Assessment and Counseling at Stanford Health Care
At Stanford, our Cancer Genetics Program offers genetic counseling and testing for people whose personal history and medical history indicates a possible gene mutation. Our cancer genetics physicians (board-certified doctors with two years of specialty training) and licensed genetic counselors help you understand genetic testing and decide whether it’s right for you and your family.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT GENETIC ASSESSMENT AND COUNSELING
Getting Started In Your Care
Getting Your Assessment
The Role of Genetic Counseling
Undergoing Testing & Follow-up
GETTING STARTED IN YOUR CARE
GETTING YOUR ASSESSMENT
THE ROLE OF GENETIC COUNSELING
Information about your condition, diagnosis, and treatment planning:
Learn more about what to expect of genetic assessment.
Genetic Assessment and Counseling: Patient Care Resources
Whether the results show a gene mutation or not, genetic testing can benefit you and your family. The results can:
- Identify the level of cancer risk a person may have and the types of cancer for which they may be at risk
- Provide information to guide decision-making for cancer prevention and early detection, such as increased screening
- Identify family members who are at high risk, as well as those who are not
- Improve the chances of survival for family members who already have cancer, by providing information to guide treatment choices
This overview explains what to expect about genetic testing, its role in your treatment decisions, and the possible insights for your family health.
Before
During
After
One of our genetic counselors will meet with you to review your personal history and family history, assess your risk, review testing options and discuss possible outcomes. We will discuss/review/outlinewhat the results may mean for you and your family and who else in your family may need testing if the results find a mutation.
The appointment lasts about 1 hour.
If you choose to have genetic testing, we take a blood or saliva sample to collect your DNA for testing. It takes about 2 - 4 weeks to get the test results. The counselor will call you with the results.
If the results show a mutation, the next step is to meet with the counselor and a cancer genetics doctor. During this visit, we will:
- Explain your test results
- Provide medical recommendations
- Discuss the implications for you and your family members
One of our genetic counselors will meet with you to review your personal history and family history, assess your risk, review testing options and discuss possible outcomes. We will discuss/review/outlinewhat the results may mean for you and your family and who else in your family may need testing if the results find a mutation.
The appointment lasts about 1 hour.
close Before
If you choose to have genetic testing, we take a blood or saliva sample to collect your DNA for testing. It takes about 2 - 4 weeks to get the test results. The counselor will call you with the results.
close During
If the results show a mutation, the next step is to meet with the counselor and a cancer genetics doctor. During this visit, we will:
- Explain your test results
- Provide medical recommendations
- Discuss the implications for you and your family members
close After
At Stanford, our Cancer Genetics Program offers genetic counseling and testing for people whose personal history and medical history indicates a possible gene mutation. Our cancer genetics physicians (board-certified doctors with two years of specialty training) and licensed genetic counselors help you understand genetic testing and decide whether it’s right for you and your family.
Stanford Health Library
For confidential help with your health care questions, contact the Stanford Health Library. Professional medical librarians and trained volunteers can help you access journals, books, e-books, databases, and videos to learn more about medical conditions, treatment options, and related issues.
- 875 Blake Wilbur, Palo Alto: 1st floor near the cafe, 650-736-1960
- South Bay Cancer Center: 3rd floor lobby, 408-353-0197
Email us your questions: healthlibrary@stanfordhealthcare.org