Telegenetic counseling for cancer
Understanding cancer risk through telegenetics
Genetic testing can help you understand how an inheritable gene error—also known as a gene mutation—can affect your risk for certain genetic conditions, including some cancers.
Your local doctor can help determine whether you’ll benefit from genetic counseling. You’ll be able to take part in a pre-test session with a telegenetic counselor. Our telemedicine services, both video and telephone conferencing, are done over a secure connection in a private setting.
Cancer genetics and risk evaluation gives you the advantage of understanding genetic information that can help you make informed decisions about your health care.
A genetic counseling session may include:
- An assessment of your individual inherited risk factors
- A discussion about your genetic testing options
- Education about early detection and risk reduction
One of the benefits of genetic testing at Penn Medicine is a cancer screening program that’s tailored to your individual risk. In addition, all of our genetic counseling sessions are done with compassion and respect for your psychosocial health.
How does remote genetic testing for cancer work?
If you decide to have genetic testing, we’ll work with you and your local doctor to arrange a test.
Genetic testing with telegenetics involves the following steps:
- Your DNA is collected through a blood test or a saliva collection kit at a site that’s convenient for you.
- Your blood or saliva sample is sent directly to a genetic testing lab.
- In the lab, your DNA is isolated and studied for the presence or absence of inherited mutations in specific genes.
- Your test results are sent to one of our genetic counselors. They’ll work with our Telegenetics Program and your local care team to develop the next steps.
- You’ll schedule a one-on-one appointment to discuss the results of your test with your genetic counselor. This session is important to make sure you understand your results and any necessary next steps.
- At the end of that appointment, your local care team will assist you with future directions and decisions for your care.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.