Genetic Counseling

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Cancer research shows that early detection, along with proactive medical care, has been proven to help reduce cancer risk.  As hereditary and genetic factors may play a role in health issues such as cancer, CJOC’s physicians are aggressive in their analysis of these factors.  In every family, certain traits are shared and passed on from one generation to the next. Most obvious are physical traits; less obvious are inherited genetic traits that control the tendency to develop specific diseases, such as certain cancers.  In the event factors are found indicating a genetic predisposition, our physicians may recommend genetic testing. This is currently available for individuals thought to be at high risk for breast, ovarian, colon, rectal and endometrial cancer, as well as melanoma.  If you are interested in determining whether your family history indicates you may have an inherited risk of these cancers, we invite you to complete CJOC’s Family History Questionnaire for Common Hereditary Cancer Syndromes.  Click here to download this form for completion and bring it to your next appointment at CJOC for your physician’s review. Gene testing cannot predict whether a person will actually develop cancer. However, it can identify a disease-related gene flaw or mutation, indicating those individuals at a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer before any symptoms appear. If testing is recommended, it will be necessary to sign an informed consent form and provide a small blood sample, which may be done in our CJOC Labs. Most insurance companies cover genetic testing services and CJOC’s Lab Technologists will work with your insurance carrier to coordinate your benefits. It is important to discuss with your CJOC physician or nurse practitioner whether genetic testing is appropriate for you.