×

Warning

JUser: :_load: Unable to load user with ID: 935

Genetics

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Genetics Division has the staff and resources to provide assistance as the need arises for predisposition counseling and possible testing for breast, ovarian, colon, endometrial, pancreatic and other cancers.

Predisposition for breast, ovarian, colon, endometrial, pancreatic and other cancers

 Testing  treatments options:

  • Review of personal and family histories
  • Patient and family risk assessments using multiple risk-assessment models
  • Review of pathology reports and specialized tumor studies
  • Education of patients regarding the phenotypes of multiple hereditary cancer syndromes
  • Determining appropriate genetic testing
  • Counselling patients on the risks, benefits and limitations of testing
  • Obtaining informed consent for genetic testing
  • Obtaining insurance preauthorization and coordinating genetic testing
  • Face-to-face post-test counseling
  • Assisting patients in identifying and informing at-risk family members
  • Recommendations to patient for personal and family cancer surveillance
  • Discussing concerns about genetic discrimination by insurance companies and employers
  • Written report to referring physician

FAQ:

The decision to pursue predisposition genetic testing is complex and requires highly individualized assessment. Therefore, proper risk assessment and counseling is of the utmost importance for the patient. It is a personal decision that requires much thought and consideration. Our experience and expertise are at your disposal to help you understand your options and help you make the best decision for both you and your family.

What is Cancer Genetic Counseling?

If you have questions or concerns about a personal or family history of cancer, genetic counseling can help.

Cancer genetic counseling is the obtaining of personal and family information to determine cancer risks and options for surveillance and treatment.

The genetic counselor can determine whether a person has a low or high risk for having a hereditary cancer. If a high risk exists, the counselor can answer all your questions about the benefits and limitations of genetic testing.

Hereditary Cancer Syndromes

Approximately 1 in 300 people have inherited genetic changes (mutations) that predispose them to breast, colon, endometrial (uterine) or ovarian cancer. An inherited genetic mutation is the single greatest factor in increasing an individual’s risk of developing cancer.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines recommend genetic counseling and possible testing for individuals at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. Knowing an individuals risk is the first step towards prevention. There are surveillance and treatment options for those at risk. Preventative measures significantly reduce the risk of developing hereditary cancer and in certain cases may prevent it.

Who is at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer?

Individuals with a personal and/or family history with the following:

  • Breast cancer under the age of 50
  • Ovarian cancer at any age
  • Male breast cancer
  • Two or more breast cancers in an individual or family member

Who is at risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer?

Individuals with a personal and/or family history of the following:

  • Colorectal cancer under the age of 50
  • Endometrial cancer under the age of 50
  • Two or more HNPCC related cancers (colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer or gastric cancer) in an individual or family member

Who may be at risk for hereditary adenomous polyposis syndromes?

Individuals with a personal and/or family history of the following:

  • Ten or more cumulative colorectal adenomas
  • Colorectal cancer under 50 years of age

Who may be at risk for hereditary melanoma?

Individuals with a personal and/or family history of the following:

  • Two or more melanomas in an individual or family member
  • Melanoma and pancreatic cancer in an individual or family member

What happens during a cancer-related genetic counseling session?

The genetic counselor will review your personal medical history, as well as your family history. Be sure to be prepared with information about both your medical history, as well as any family history of cancer. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire before your appointment.

The genetic counselor will then discuss your personal risk to have a hereditary cancer syndrome and discuss the appropriate testing process from start to finish.

The benefits and limitations of genetic testing will be discussed in detail. The counselor will address these as they pertain to you and your specific situation. The decision to pursue testing is yours alone. If you choose to pursue genetic testing, the counselor will guide you through the entire process, including obtaining insurance approval, blood draw, discussion of results and follow-up options and recommendations.

QUICK LINKS

Career Center
Gift Shop
Jersey Health Connect
Job Search
Library
Nursing
Newsroom
Your Health Series
Volunteer
Contact Us
Financial Assistance Program
Non-Discrimination Statement
COVID-19 Infection Prevention & Mitigation Plan

Paying for Your Care

Price Transparency

For billing related inquiries please call 973.754.2150
or email billingquestions@sjhmc.org

To pay by phone please call 1.888.582.3973
To pay your hospital bill online click here.
To pay your physician bill online click here.



LOCATIONS

St. Joseph’s University Medical Center

703 Main Street
Paterson, NJ 07503
Tel: 973.754.2000

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital

703 Main Street
Paterson, NJ 07503
Tel: 973.754.2500

Location Finder

 

Community Health Needs Assessments

2023-2025 St. Joseph’s Health Community Health Needs Assessment Implementation Strategy
2022 St. Joseph's University Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment
2022 St. Joseph's University Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment Executive Summary
2019 St. Joseph's University Medical Center - Summary Report
2019 St. Joseph's Wayne Medical Center - Summary Report
2017 - 2019 St. Joseph’s University Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment - Implementation Strategy
2017 - 2019 St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment - Implementation Strategy
mystjosephsrecord
NYMC SJHS logo
 

Connect with us