 Health Care Services Hospitals & Facilities Health Information Find a Doctor Why Choose Baptist |
Genetic Testing and Counseling Center Q & A
|
|
|
Baptist Centers for Cancer Care
|
|
Daily Bread
As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15 |
|
How do I know if the cancer in my family is hereditary? There are some characteristics of hereditary cancers that may help you to determine if you or other family members may have higher chances of developing cancer. You or your family member may have a hereditary type of cancer if:
What can I do if I think I have a hereditary form of cancer in my family? With a confidential genetic evaluation with the Genetic Testing and Counseling Center at the Baptist Centers for Cancer Care, you and your family can examine the possibility of hereditary cancer. You will learn how it can be inherited and what steps can be taken to prevent and detect cancer as early as possible. The evaluation includes genetic counseling; individualized cancer risk assessment; state-of-the-art information on hereditary cancer; DNA testing for certain hereditary cancer syndromes; recommendations for cancer screening and lifestyle changes; and access to research studies and treatment of hereditary cancers. What can I expect from genetic counseling? Genetic counseling is a confidential communication process between you and your counselor about your risks for cancer and what options are available to you for testing, surveillance and detection. You will be asked to provide information about family members who have had cancer. A family chart, or tree, will be drawn to document this information. You will be given a personalized risk estimate of your chances of developing specific cancers. Working with a physician, your genetic counselor will make recommendations on the best methods for detecting and preventing cancer based on your risk assessment. Your counselor will help you to understand how this information affects you and your family and what choices you have What is a genetic test and how will I know if it is right for me? A genetic test is a simple blood test. The blood sample will be analyzed for a particular gene alteration that may be associated with hereditary cancer. Genetic testing can provide you and your family with information about your chances of developing cancer. Genetic testing may help you to plan your own health screening or your children's. It may provide you with some peace of mind, knowing your chances of developing cancer are not as great as you believed. Genetic testing can allow you to take action to prevent cancer in yourself or other family members. Baptist Centers for Cancer Care Genetic Testing and Counseling Center 55 Humphreys Blvd., Suite 301 Memphis, TN 38120 (901) 226-4039 E-mail: bccc@bmhcc.org  Top of Page |
|
| Home | Health Care Services | Hospitals & Facilities | Health Information | Find a Doctor | Why Choose Baptist |
| ©2008 Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer. Notice of Privacy Practices. | |
 |
In keeping with the three-fold ministry of Christ - preaching, teaching and healing - Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation will be the leader in providing quality health care. |