{"id":2000,"date":"2015-10-08T19:57:41","date_gmt":"2015-10-08T19:57:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sitemandev.wpengine.com\/?page_id=2000"},"modified":"2026-04-07T20:24:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T01:24:54","slug":"asesoramiento-genetico","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/siteman.wustl.edu\/es\/prevencion\/asesoramiento-genetico\/","title":{"rendered":"Asesoramiento genetico"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"parent":266,"menu_order":161,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-left-nav.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"class_list":["post-2000","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"content_0_content":"[caption id=\"attachment_13452\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"400\"]<a href=\"https:\/\/siteman.wustl.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/FAMILY-HISTORY-FORM-CLINIC-V3-with-mailing-address.pdf\"><img class=\"wp-image-13452 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/siteman.wustl.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/FamilyHistorySample.gif\" alt=\"FamilyHistorySample\" width=\"400\" height=\"287\" \/><\/a> Click image to download family history form.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSome cancers develop as a result of genetic\u00a0factors that occur in families. These cancers are linked to abnormal changes (mutations) in genes\u00a0that are passed from generation to generation. People with these mutations have a higher\u00a0chance\u00a0of developing certain types of cancer.\r\n\r\nJust because a person has a relative who had cancer, it does not mean that cancer is hereditary. About 5 percent to 10 percent of all cancers are considered hereditary. Only a small proportion of some of the most common types of cancer \u2013 such as colon and breast cancer \u2013 occur as a result of genetic\u00a0factors.\r\n\r\nFamilies may have hereditary cancer if there are multiple people in the family with cancer, including more than one generation of family members with the disease. In addition, people diagnosed at a young age are more likely to have hereditary cancer. Some genetic mutations\u00a0are more common among certain ethnic groups.\r\n\r\nPeople with a strong family history of cancer may want to consider undergoing clinical genetics assessment with a genetic counselor and genetics physician. These professionals typically help patients document their family medical history and collect available medical records of family members with cancer. If a cancer risk appears to be hereditary, they may recommend genetic testing to identify specific gene alterations, typically performed using a blood sample.\r\n\r\nEven if an individual is found to carry an altered gene, genetic testing cannot determine if cancer is present or when it may develop. It can only confirm an inherited tendency for the disease. However, genetic tests\u00a0can help people\u00a0make some medical decisions, such as determining the best plan for cancer screening or whether to pursue preventive therapy.","content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layout-content","class":"","content":"[caption id=\"attachment_13452\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"400\"]<a href=\"https:\/\/siteman.wustl.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/FAMILY-HISTORY-FORM-CLINIC-V3-with-mailing-address.pdf\"><img class=\"wp-image-13452 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/siteman.wustl.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/FamilyHistorySample.gif\" alt=\"FamilyHistorySample\" width=\"400\" height=\"287\" \/><\/a> Click image to download family history form.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSome cancers develop as a result of genetic\u00a0factors that occur in families. These cancers are linked to abnormal changes (mutations) in genes\u00a0that are passed from generation to generation. People with these mutations have a higher\u00a0chance\u00a0of developing certain types of cancer.\r\n\r\nJust because a person has a relative who had cancer, it does not mean that cancer is hereditary. About 5 percent to 10 percent of all cancers are considered hereditary. Only a small proportion of some of the most common types of cancer \u2013 such as colon and breast cancer \u2013 occur as a result of genetic\u00a0factors.\r\n\r\nFamilies may have hereditary cancer if there are multiple people in the family with cancer, including more than one generation of family members with the disease. In addition, people diagnosed at a young age are more likely to have hereditary cancer. Some genetic mutations\u00a0are more common among certain ethnic groups.\r\n\r\nPeople with a strong family history of cancer may want to consider undergoing clinical genetics assessment with a genetic counselor and genetics physician. These professionals typically help patients document their family medical history and collect available medical records of family members with cancer. If a cancer risk appears to be hereditary, they may recommend genetic testing to identify specific gene alterations, typically performed using a blood sample.\r\n\r\nEven if an individual is found to carry an altered gene, genetic testing cannot determine if cancer is present or when it may develop. It can only confirm an inherited tendency for the disease. However, genetic tests\u00a0can help people\u00a0make some medical decisions, such as determining the best plan for cancer screening or whether to pursue preventive therapy."},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout-accordion","entry":[{"title":"Who should consider\u00a0cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling?","content":"<p>The following groups of people may want to consider cancer risk assessment, according to Siteman Cancer Center\u2019s hereditary cancer program:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Any person with a family history of cancer who is interested in learning more about his or her family-based cancer risk<\/li>\n<li>Any person who has a family member with hereditary cancer or who has a gene mutation<\/li>\n<li>Any person who is considering prophylactic medical or surgical therapy because of his or her family history of cancer<\/li>\n<li>Any person who was diagnosed with cancer early in adulthood<\/li>\n<li>Any person who is interested in learning more about genetic testing for cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"title":"Information about some hereditary cancer syndromes","content":"<p>There are many different hereditary cancer syndromes, some of which are listed below. For families with hereditary cancer, the word syndrome refers to risk for different cancer types due to the same gene mutation.<\/p>\n<p>The specific name does not indicate all of the cancer types family members may be at risk to develop. For example, families with some of the hereditary breast cancer syndromes also may have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Knowing the different cancers associated with each hereditary cancer syndrome allows family members to undergo earlier and more frequent cancer screening.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Breast-ovarian cancer syndrome 1<\/strong> results from an abnormal change in the BRCA1 gene. Female family members have an estimated 80 percent lifetime chance of developing breast cancer and a 40 percent to 60 percent lifetime chance of developing ovarian cancer. Mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening as well as ovarian cancer screening are recommended for female family members with a gene alteration.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Breast-ovarian cancer syndrome 2<\/strong> results from an abnormal change in the BRCA2 gene. Female family members have an 80 percent lifetime chance of developing breast cancer and a 20 percent lifetime chance for ovarian cancer. Other cancers are associated with this syndrome, including melanoma and pancreatic, prostate and gastric cancers. Mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening as well as ovarian cancer screening are recommended for female family members with a gene alteration.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Familial adenomatous polyposis<\/strong> is a type of hereditary colon cancer that results from an abnormal alteration in the APC gene. Individuals develop hundreds to thousands of abnormal growths (polyps) in the colon. Since any of the polyps may develop into cancer, removal of the colon is recommended. Polyps may develop in other areas of the digestive system, requiring lifelong cancer screening.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Familial melanoma<\/strong> results from an abnormal alteration in at least one of three genes. Families with familial melanoma have an increased chance of developing melanoma and may have an increased chance for pancreatic and brain tumors. Monthly skin self-exams and clinical examinations by a dermatologist every six months are recommended.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer)<\/strong> is a hereditary colon cancer syndrome resulting from an abnormal change in one of at least five genes. Family members with lynch syndrome\u00a0have an 80 percent lifetime risk of developing colon cancer. Female family members have a 40 percent to 60 percent lifetime risk of developing endometrial\/uterine cancer. Other cancers, such as gastric or kidney tumors, may be associated with this syndrome. Colon cancer screening and uterine cancer screening are recommended, beginning at a young age. Other screening may be recommended based on family history.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A)<\/strong> results from an abnormal alteration in the RET gene. Family members have an increased chance of developing medullary thyroid cancer, hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid gland) and tumors of the adrenal gland (known as pheochromocytoma). Removal of the thyroid gland is recommended.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Von Hippel Lindau (VHL)<\/strong> syndrome results from an abnormal change in the VHL gene. Families with VHL syndrome have an increased risk of developing kidney cancer, tumors of adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma), as well as eye,\u00a0brain and spinal tumors. Tumors found on the retina, located in the back of the eye, are characteristic of this syndrome. Evaluations of the eyes, kidneys, brain and spinal cord are recommended on a yearly basis.<\/p>\n<p>Siteman Cancer Center\u2019s hereditary cancer program has experience with these and other types of hereditary cancer syndromes.<\/p>\n"},{"title":"Cancer risk assessment and education","content":"<p>At the Siteman Cancer Center, genetics evaluation begins with risk assessment and education. A genetics physician and genetic counselors work with individuals to determine whether the cancers in their family truly suggest a hereditary tendency. The first step involves taking a detailed family history to determine which family members had cancer along with their age at onset and whether they developed other cancers as well.<\/p>\n<p>This information is important because hereditary cancers tend to occur at an earlier age, and people with an altered cancer gene have a greater risk of developing more than one cancer. With a complete family history and personal medical history, patients can be given a rough estimate of their lifetime risk of developing certain types of cancer. They then can consider screening and risk-reducing options based on the level of their risk.<\/p>\n<p>Various considerations help in making this assessment. The risk increases, for example, when many family members or multiple generations are affected or when family members have developed cancer at an unusually early age or in both sides of an organ, such as both breasts.<\/p>\n<p>Typically, a genetic counselor helps patients document their family history and collect available medical records of family members with cancer when necessary.<\/p>\n<p>The next step is for patients to meet with a genetics physician and genetics counselor to assess their family-based cancer risk and discuss appropriate surveillance procedures. If a cancer risk appears to be hereditary, genetic testing may be\u00a0useful in identifying the most appropriate medical care.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n"},{"title":"Genetic testing","content":"<p>Genetic testing to identify a specific gene alteration may be recommended for high-risk families. It is typically performed using a blood sample. Not all people who pursue cancer risk assessment decide to have genetic testing.<\/p>\n<p>Like all tests, genetic testing has benefits and limitations and entails many practical, medical and emotional implications. The most information can be gained when a family member with cancer\u00a0is tested first so the gene alteration can be identified. However, this may not always be possible.<\/p>\n<p>Even if an individual at high risk is found to carry an altered gene, genetic testing cannot determine if cancer is present or when it may develop. It can only confirm an inherited predisposition or increased risk for certain types of cancer.<\/p>\n<p>Despite its limitations, genetic testing can be valuable. Results can help individuals make some medical decisions, such as determining the best plan for cancer screening or whether to pursue preventive medical or surgical therapies.<\/p>\n"},{"title":"Clinical genetics assessment","content":"<p>Approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of all cancers occur as a result of hereditary or genetic factors that are passed on in families. This statistic should be reassuring: Although many people have relatives who had colon or breast cancer \u2013 types of cancer that are common in the population \u2013 the majority should not be concerned they are particularly susceptible to these cancers simply because a family member had them.<\/p>\n<p>Hereditary cancer typically results from an abnormal alteration in a single gene that may then be passed on in a family. People with this altered gene have a significantly higher chance of developing certain times of cancer.<\/p>\n"},{"title":"Additional resources","content":"<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.facingourrisk.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facing Our Risk &#8211; Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Information and Advocacy<\/a><br \/>\nFORCE is the only national nonprofit organization devoted to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsgc.org\/page\/find-a-genetic-counselor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Society of Genetic Counselors: Find a Genetic Counselor<\/a><br \/>\nThe Find a Genetic Counselor directory offers access to over 3,300 genetic counselors (US and Canada). Check with your insurance company to verify coverage of genetic counseling, testing and authorized providers.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lynchcancers.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lynch Syndrome International<\/a><br \/>\nLynch Syndrome is a hereditary disorder caused by a mutation in a mismatch repair gene in which affected individuals have a higher than normal chance of developing colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and various other types of aggressive cancers, often at a young age \u2013 also called hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"}]}],"custom_page_title":"","hide_right_sidebar":false,"flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg_content","section_title":"What is genetic testing?","basic_wysiwyg_alignment_options":"left-align","basic_wysiwyg_background":"white","basic_wysiwyg_stackable":[],"basic_wysiwyg_fullwidth":[],"basic_wysiwyg_content":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0x1jUG2u51c\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>What is genetic testing?<\/h2>\n<p>Genetic testing searches for specific mutations in your genes or chromosomes to estimate your chance of developing cancer in your lifetime.<\/p>\n<p>The choice to undergo genetic testing should be made after discussing the risks and benefits with your provider. The following questions can help you make a decision about getting tested:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do I have a personal family history of cancer?<\/li>\n<li>Have I or has another family member developed cancer at an earlier-than-average age?<\/li>\n<li>Will the test results affect my medical care, or my family\u2019s medical care?<\/li>\n<li>If I have a genetic condition, can I lower my cancer risk?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A genetic counselor or physician can help you answer these questions. They can also provide advice and information about the risks and benefits of genetic testing.<\/p>\n<h3>Genetic tests are available for different types of cancer, including but not limited to:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Breast cancer<\/li>\n<li>Ovarian cancer<\/li>\n<li>Colon cancer<\/li>\n<li>Thyroid cancer<\/li>\n<li>Prostate cancer<\/li>\n<li>Pancreatic cancer<\/li>\n<li>Melanoma<\/li>\n<li>Sarcoma<\/li>\n<li>Kidney cancer<\/li>\n<li>Stomach cancer<\/li>\n<li>Blood cancers<\/li>\n<li>Lymphoma<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Benefits of genetic testing:<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Predict your risk of a particular disease<\/li>\n<li>Find out if you have genes that may pass increased cancer risk to your children<\/li>\n<li>Provide essential information to help guide your health care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No genetic test can definitively confirm that you will develop cancer. However, genetic testing can tell you if you are at higher risk of developing cancer.<\/p>\n<h3>Reasons to consider genetic testing for cancer:<\/h3>\n<p>The decision to undergo genetic testing for cancer is personal and complex. It is a choice best made after consulting with your family members, health care team and genetic counselor.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asco.org\/\">American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)<\/a> recommends considering genetic testing when personal or family history suggests a genetic cause of cancer. Those situations include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An individual with cancer was diagnosed at a young age<\/li>\n<li>An individual was diagnosed with more than one type of cancer<\/li>\n<li>An individual was diagnosed with certain types of cancers, including ovarian and pancreatic cancers<\/li>\n<li>An individual has a family history with multiple types of cancers<\/li>\n<li>A individual is of a certain ethnicity, including those of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish heritage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Genetic testing will clearly show a specific genetic mutation or mutations. When results find an abnormality, they help with diagnosis and\/or management of a condition.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to check with your health insurer to find out if genetic counseling and genetic testing are covered under your plan.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg_content","section_title":"Genetic counseling: what to expect","basic_wysiwyg_alignment_options":"left-align","basic_wysiwyg_background":"white","basic_wysiwyg_stackable":[],"basic_wysiwyg_fullwidth":[],"basic_wysiwyg_content":"<h2>Genetic counseling: what to expect<\/h2>\n<p>You may be seen by a physician with training in genetics, a genetic counselor or both. A genetic counselor is a specially trained medical professional who provides information and advice about genetics and disease. For some health insurers, genetic counseling is a requirement prior to genetic testing. Before meeting with our genetic counselors or physicians, you will need to gather your medical records, a list of any cancers diagnosed on both your mother\u2019s and father\u2019s side, and reports from any cancer-related genetic testing other family members have undergone. You should also write down a list of questions or concerns and verify with your insurance carrier that your visit will be covered.<\/p>\n<h3>During your appointment<\/h3>\n<p>At your appointment, you can expect that you and your providers will discuss the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Your personal medical history and ethnic background<\/em>. Your providers will likely ask about your overall health, your reproductive history, any history of cancer, any biopsies you may have had in the past for suspected cancer and results of past cancer screenings. Additionally, if you are considering genetic testing for breast cancer, your genetic counselor will want to know if you are of Ashkenazi Jewish (Eastern European) descent. About 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals has a <em>BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Your family\u2019s cancer history<\/em>. You and your genetic counselor will build a family tree to visualize any cancer diagnoses on either side of your family. This will include the type of cancer, age at diagnosis and treatment outcome.<\/li>\n<li><em>The likelihood of an inherited mutation that increases cancer risk<\/em>. Your genetic counselor will look at your family history, your own cancer history and any results of relatives\u2019 genetic testing to determine the likelihood of an inherited mutation. Your counselor may use a computerized tool to analyze this information to predict the chances that you may have a mutation linked to cancer.<\/li>\n<li><em>The value of genetic testing in your specific case<\/em>. Based on all of this information, your genetic counselor will ask personal questions about your feelings regarding genetic testing. These might include: are you prepared to act on the results you receive? Is this the right time in your life for you to gain this knowledge? How will this help you and your family?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are several types of genetic testing that may be performed. These include a blood sample, cheek swab, amniocentesis (a prenatal genetic test of amniotic fluid) and chorionic villus sampling (a prenatal genetic test of placental tissue). Genetic testing may be done the same day as your genetic counseling appointment, or you may have it done at a later date.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg_content","section_title":"Cancer genetics services team","basic_wysiwyg_alignment_options":"left-align","basic_wysiwyg_background":"white","basic_wysiwyg_stackable":[],"basic_wysiwyg_fullwidth":[],"basic_wysiwyg_content":"<h2>Cancer genetics services team<\/h2>\n<p>WashU Medicine\u2019s Cancer Genetics Program comprises exceptional geneticists, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors and other health care providers. Here are some of the members on the team:<\/p>\n<h3>Doctors<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Patricia Dickson, MD, Centennial Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine at WUSM (phone: 314-454-6093)<\/li>\n<li>Andrea Hagemann, MD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology at WUSM (phone: 314-747-7222)<\/li>\n<li>Kelly Bolton, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Oncology, Section of Bone Marrow Transplantation &amp; Leukemia at WUSM (phone: 314-273-5711)<\/li>\n<li>Amy Cyr, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology (phone: 314-7471171)<\/li>\n<li>Angela Hirbe, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Medical Oncology; Director, Adult Neurofibromatosis Clinical Program at WUSM (phone: 314-747-1171)<\/li>\n<li>Shao Tu, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Genetics, &amp; Genomic Medicine (phone: 314-454-6093)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Genetic counselors<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"x_MsoNormal\">Rachita Nikam, MS, CGC, Cancer Genetic Counselor at WUSM<\/li>\n<li>Alexandria Correale-Otto, MS, CGC, Cancer Genetic Counselor at WUSM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg_content","section_title":"Genetic services offered","basic_wysiwyg_alignment_options":"left-align","basic_wysiwyg_background":"white","basic_wysiwyg_stackable":[],"basic_wysiwyg_fullwidth":[],"basic_wysiwyg_content":"<h2>Genetic services offered<\/h2>\n<p>Washington University has long been recognized for its excellence in genetics research and is one of the primary institutions involved with the Human Genome Project. Our renowned genetic services include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Genetic counseling<\/strong>. Our counselors are highly skilled at reviewing personal and family medical history before helping you decide whether genetic testing would be right for you. They are here to answer questions and provide support both before and after genetic testing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prenatal diagnosis<\/strong>. Our specialists use state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques including cytogenetics, microarray, non-invasive prenatal testing and molecular diagnosis to safely carry out genetic testing during pregnancy,<\/li>\n<li><strong>Newborn screening<\/strong>. The State of Missouri is a national leader in screening newborns for genetic conditions. In addition to standard MS\/MS screening, newborns are tested for six lysosomal diseases.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cancer Predisposition Program<\/strong>. WashU Medicine&#8217;s Department of Pediatrics and Medicine offers a unique program that diagnoses and treats individuals who are more likely to develop cancer. Our exceptional providers offer support, counseling and education to families, in addition to facilitating treatment when necessary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Predictive testing<\/strong>. Our physicians and counselors are experienced at performing genetic testing to identify a patient\u2019s risk of developing certain types of cancer before symptoms show.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"rve\" data-content-width=\"640\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Siteman expert discusses cancer genetics &amp; hereditary cancer\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2wblI8kS5qA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><!-- Responsive Video Embeds plugin by www.kevinleary.net --><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg_content","section_title":"Locations","basic_wysiwyg_alignment_options":"left-align","basic_wysiwyg_background":"white","basic_wysiwyg_stackable":[],"basic_wysiwyg_fullwidth":[],"basic_wysiwyg_content":"<h2>Locations<\/h2>\n<p>With various locations both online and throughout the St. Louis area, our providers are here to support you through genetic counseling and testing.<\/p>\n<h3>In-person Genetic Counseling Clinic \u2013 St. Louis City Location<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">CAM 13 C; Every Tuesday and Thursday (morning clinic only)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Staff: Rachita Nikam, MS, CGC<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Scheduled through the Department of Genetics at <\/em><a href=\"tel:3144546093\"><em>314-454-6093<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>In-person Cancer Predisposition Clinic \u2013 St. Louis City Location<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">CAM 7; Every Thursday (morning clinic only)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Staff: Rachita Nikam, MS, CGC and Kelly Bolton, MD, PhD<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Scheduled through the Division of Oncology at <a href=\"tel:3144548339\">314-454-8339<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Telehealth Cancer Genetic Counseling Clinic<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Every Monday (afternoon clinic only); Every Thursday (morning and afternoon clinic)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Staff: Rachita Nikam, MS, CGC<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Scheduled through the Department of Genetics at <a href=\"tel:3144546093\">314-454-6093<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>In-Person Genetics Clinic \u2013 North County Location<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Suite 2010 (Graham Road); Every 3<sup>rd<\/sup> Friday of the month (morning clinic only)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Staff:Rachita Nikam, MS, CGC<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Scheduled through the Department of Genetics at <a href=\"tel:3144546093\">314-454-6093<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Multi-Disciplinary Gynecologic Oncology Clinic<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Every Alternate Wednesday (afternoon clinic only)<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\">Staff: Andrea Hagemann, MD (Gynecologic Oncology) and Rachita Nikam, MS, CGC<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Scheduled through the Division of Gynecology Oncology at <\/em><a href=\"tel:3143627135\"><em>314-362-7135<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Breast Cancer Predisposition Clinic<\/h3>\n<p>Tuesday mornings at Siteman Cancer Center at Northwest HealthCare<\/p>\n<p>Wednesdays at Siteman Cancer Center at Memorial Hospital Shiloh<\/p>\n<p>Thursdays at Siteman Cancer Center &#8211; South County<\/p>\n<p>Staff: Amy Cyr, MD (Breast Oncology)<\/p>\n<p>Scheduled through the Division of Oncology at 314-747-1171<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg_content","section_title":"Additional resources","basic_wysiwyg_alignment_options":"left-align","basic_wysiwyg_background":"white","basic_wysiwyg_stackable":[],"basic_wysiwyg_fullwidth":[],"basic_wysiwyg_content":"<h2>Additional resources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.facingourrisk.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facing Our Risk &#8211; Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Information and Advocacy<\/a><br \/>\nFORCE is the only national nonprofit organization devoted to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsgc.org\/page\/find-a-genetic-counselor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Society of Genetic Counselors: Find a Genetic Counselor<\/a><br \/>\nThe Find a Genetic Counselor directory offers access to over 3,300 genetic counselors (US and Canada). Check with your insurance company to verify coverage of genetic counseling, testing and authorized providers.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/rarediseases.org\/organizations\/lynch-syndrome-international\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lynch Syndrome International<\/a><br \/>\nLynch Syndrome is a hereditary disorder caused by a mutation in a mismatch repair gene in which affected individuals have a higher than normal chance of developing colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and various other types of aggressive cancers, often at a young age \u2013 also called hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg_content","section_title":"Limitations and emotional implications of genetic testing","basic_wysiwyg_alignment_options":"left-align","basic_wysiwyg_background":"white","basic_wysiwyg_stackable":[],"basic_wysiwyg_fullwidth":[],"basic_wysiwyg_content":"<h2>Limitations and emotional implications of genetic testing<\/h2>\n<p>Genetic testing has limitations and can take a significant emotional toll. Some important things to keep in mind while considering testing include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Feelings of anxiety or guilt<\/strong>: if you receive a positive test result, this means that a gene mutation exists. This result can be difficult to accept. For some people, they may see themselves as being sick, even if they never go on to develop cancer. If you receive a negative result, you may also feel a wave of difficult emotions. For example, you may experience guilt if other family members have a certain gene mutation but you do not.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Family tension<\/strong>: while it is generally encouraged to share test results with family members because these results can be important for their health, genetic testing can complicate family dynamics.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Developing a false sense of security<\/strong>: a negative result means that a specific gene mutation isn\u2019t present. However, this doesn\u2019t mean that you will not develop cancer at some point. A negative result simply means that you are at average risk for cancer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unclear results<\/strong>: you may receive unclear results if you have a gene mutation that is not linked with cancer risk (a <a href=\"https:\/\/siteman.wustl.edu\/glossary\/cdr0000556493\/\">variant of unknown significance<\/a>), or you may have a mutation that current tests aren\u2019t able to find. Additionally, some genes may react unpredictably to other genes or environmental factors, meaning that it may be impossible to calculate cancer risk.<\/li>\n<li><strong>High cost<\/strong>: it can be expensive to undergo genetic testing, especially if it isn\u2019t covered by health insurance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Genetic discrimination<\/strong>: you may be worried about health insurance or workplace discrimination based on genetic testing results. While your results will appear on your medical record, federal and state laws exist to protect you from genetic discrimination by health insurers and employers. It is important to note, however, that the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) doesn\u2019t extend to long-term care or life insurance providers, and it only applies if a person isn\u2019t displaying any symptoms of their genetic condition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"}],"exlude_from_left_sidebar":false,"add_twitter_feed":"sidebarNav","content_1_content":"","content_0_column_1":"","content_1_column_1":"","content_2_entry_0_content":"","content_2_entry_1_content":"","sync_id":"ID_wPUVFhUU"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Genetic Counseling - Prevention - Siteman Cancer Center<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Siteman Cancer Center&#039;s genetic counseling services provide great detail on cancer risk assessment, prevention and education.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/siteman.wustl.edu\/es\/prevencion\/asesoramiento-genetico\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_ES\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Genetic Counseling - 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