Frequently Asked Questions

How do I refer a patient for genetic counseling and testing for cancer?

Any patient suspected of carrying a mutation in a cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1, MLH2, p53, etc.) or any patient concerned about his or her own risks of developing cancer can be referred directly to a cancer genetics counselor or geneticist. Find a genetic counselor through our Physician Referral page.

Genetic testing for cancer susceptibility gene mutations is a complex process requiring a discussion of family and medical history, and a lengthy explanation of the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing. For this reason, genetic counseling by a professional specializing in cancer genetics is an essential component of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility gene mutations.

Hereditary Susceptibility Testing for Breast Cancer. Position Paper, National Action Plan on Breast Cancer.

Statement of the American Society of Clinical Oncology: Genetic Testing for Cancer Susceptibility. J Clin Oncol 14:1730-1736, 1996.

Statement of the American Society of Human Genetics on Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Predisposition. Am J Hum Genet 55:i-iv, 1994.

McKinnon WE et al: Predisposition genetic testing for late-onset disorders in adults. A position paper of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. JAMA 278:1217-1220, 1997.

Promoting Safe and Effective Genetic Testing in the United States. Final Report of the Task Force on Genetic Testing. Holtzman NA and Watson MS, Eds. NIH-DOE Working Group on Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Human Genome Research. 1997.