Genetic counseling can help you better understand how your cancer diagnosis may play a role in the pattern of cancer in your family. When you meet with an MSK genetic counselor, we will talk to you to understand your family history completely. We will ask questions about the health histories of your children, siblings, parents, and even members of your extended family. This information is important in determining if you have a hereditary cancer syndrome that other family members may share. If you already have a cancer diagnosis, genetic testing can be helpful in four main ways: Genetic test results may provide an explanation as to why you developed that cancer.
Genetic test results may be used to help guide your care plan. Some cancer treatments work particularly well in people with certain genetic mutations. Your test results could be useful for your doctor to help take the best care of you.
Although you may have had a cancer diagnosis in the past and completed treatment, if you have a genetic mutation you may be at an increased risk of developing another cancer in the future. You may be eligible for specialized cancer screening if you are at a higher risk for another cancer.
Some people may choose to use their genetic test results to help with reproductive decision-making. For example, a technology using in vitro fertilization allows for selecting embryos that do not have specific genetic mutations. It can reduce the risk of certain genetic mutations being passed on to the next generation.