Genetic counseling is a communication process which deals with the human problems associated with the occurrence, or the risk of occurrence, of a genetic disorder or birth defect in a family. As part of this process, the patient obtains information regarding diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and inheritance of the genetic condition or birth defect of concern to the family. In some cases genetic testing is available for specific genetic diseases.

Genetic tests, also called DNA-based tests, are some of the newest and most sophisticated techniques that we can use to test for genetic diseases. Most tests involve looking directly at the DNA in a specific disease-associated gene. The actual information of each gene is carried within the DNA itself. The DNA can be taken from cells in a sample of blood or, occasionally, from other body fluids or tissues.

The information gathered from genetic testing may help you make more informed choices about your own cancer prevention and management. Personal decisions about options such as surgery and chemoprevention may be aided by knowledge of your mutation status. The results may also help you to determine if there is increased cancer susceptibility in your family.

The price of testing varies from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The costs of genetic testing may not be covered by your health insurance. It is important to talk with your genetic testing coordinator to determine what the best financial arrangements are for you.

Genetic testing may determine whether your child's hearing loss is due to non-genetic causes or to a gene that causes hearing loss. From this information, professionals can calculate the likelihood that other children in your family may also have a hearing loss due to the same cause. A full genetic evaluation will also determine if there are other health conditions that also need to be addressed.

Regardless of age, there is a three percent chance of delivering a baby with birth defects, and for women in their late thirties and older, an additional two percent of having a baby with Down syndrome. However, other reasons for seeking genetic counseling include: In almost every large medical center in the United States, genetic counseling and medical genetics have become an essential part of obstetrics programs.

The process of undergoing genetic testing is very dynamic, however after obtaining informed consent from the patient, the actual testing procedure itself is quite simple. The patient has a small amount of blood drawn, which is then sent to a laboratory for complex DNA analysis. Once the blood is in the laboratory, scientists look for alterations in genes that may be associated with an increased risk of particular cancers.

Gene testing is available for individuals who have a cancer genetic family syndrome based on family history. We recommend that you see a genetic counselor or health professional with expertise in cancer genetics before genetic testing for cancer. The genetic counselor will explain the test and help interpret the results. For more information, see Genetic Testing. Yes, at conception, we inherit half of our genes from each of our parents.

DNA is collected with a buccal swab, which looks similar to a Q-tip. A tissue sample is collected from the mouth by swabbing the inside of the cheek; much like a throat culture. Collecting the samples is done quickly. Even with the paperwork, the whole process takes approximately 15 minutes. Once all the samples are collected, results are usually issued within 21 days.

Genetic testing is beyond the scope of these guidelines, but is reviewed in the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) policy statement update on genetic testing for cancer susceptibility. Web link: http://breastca.asco.org/portal/site/CancerPortals/menuitem.0fb7fa2fdbc71b6d17c4c291ee37a01d/?vgnextoid=33cfec1020e48010VgnVCM100000f2730ad1RCRD&vgnextfmt=default.

Biomarker testing is not the same as genetic testing. Genetic testing indicates an individual's predisposition for a certain disease or condition, whereas biomarker testing indicates what is currently occurring in the body. BiophysicalCheck assesses biomarkers that are actually present in a person's blood, which can provide more insight into important health conditions that may be present and provide a good snapshot of an employee's current health status.

Individuals of ethnic groups in which particular inherited diseases are more common, including African-American, French-Canadian, Jewish, Mediterranean or Asian backgrounds. Women exposed to certain medications or drugs, significant radiation, and/or particular infections during pregnancy. Individuals who are known to be at risk for carrying genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, sickle cell disease or thalassemia.

Many participants' blood samples will be used for genetic (DNA) testing. Some of the most important questions that may be answered by the Sister Study are about relationships between genes and the chance that a woman will get breast cancer. It is important that you know that any analyses using your blood samples will NEVER include information that would identify you personally.

A person who is considering genetic testing should speak with a professional trained in genetics before deciding whether to be tested. Genetic counseling is a health service that helps people identify and understand what particular traits they may have inherited. Educated health professionals who are certified as Genetic Counselors perform genetic counseling. They can come from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, psychology, public health, and social work.

Researchers are now beginning to explore the immense psychological, legal, social and ethical implications of genetic testing. If genetic assessment or testing is done, it is critical that the person being tested fully understands these implications. The person should: If predictive tests prove reliable and become widely available in the future, it is very important that people who receive these tests are protected.