Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is a process of evaluating and understanding a person’s risk of developing an inherited medical condition, such as cancer.
What to Expect at Your Genetic Counseling Appointment
If you've been scheduled for a genetic counseling appointment at Virginia Oncology Associates, you may be wondering what the visit will involve and how to prepare. In this video, we'll explain why patients are referred to genetic counseling, what to expect during your appointment, and how this visit can help you make informed decisions for your health and your family.
Genetic counseling sessions at VOA typically last anywhere from 45 and 60 minutes. Your genetic counselor will present scientific concepts in understandable terms, focusing on questions and concerns pertaining to your risk for cancer or an inherited cancer syndrome. The goal of cancer genetic counseling is to provide clear and clinically relevant information about genetic risk factors in a supportive and comfortable environment.
As part of our integrated cancer care team, our certified genetic counselors will provide information and support to patients and their families through:
- Education about how genetics plays a part in cancer risk
- Assessment of the risk of a genetic disorder by researching family history and evaluating medical records
- Discussion of the medical, social, and ethical impact of genetic testing
- Interpretation of genetic testing results and medical data
- Explanation of possible treatments or preventive measures
A benefits investigation is performed for every patient who has testing done. The genetic counselor will discuss this in more detail during the appointment. Deciding whether or not to have genetic cancer testing is a personal choice that can be made at the time of the counseling session or at a future date.
Certified Genetic Counselors at Virginia Oncology Associates
Genetic counseling at Virginia Oncology Associates is typically performed by a certified genetic counselor. Genetic counselors play an important role since their extensive training allows them to present complex information to patients and their families in a way that's easy to understand, allowing the patient and their family to make decisions they feel are best.
Our physicians, advanced practice providers, and genetic counselors can help determine if genetic cancer testing is right for you. To make an appointment, please contact us at the location most convenient for you:
- Chesapeake
- Elizabeth City
- Hampton (CarePlex)
- Newport News (Port Warwick Ill)
- Norfolk (Lake Wright)
- Suffolk (Harbour View)
- Suffolk (Obici)
- Virginia Beach (Princess Anne)
- Williamsburg
Is Genetic Testing Right for You?
Start by taking our online questionnaire to see if you meet the criteria for genetic testing.
Genetic counselor, Tifany Lewis, discusses the value of genetic testing as a guide for cancer treatment and how VOA handled the genetic testing process for patients diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic.