Our Genetic Counselors educate individuals, assess risk and help patients to interpret the results. Their expertise helps patients determine if they should pursue testing at all.
Find Out About Genetic Counseling in Buffalo
The genes we are born with may contribute to our risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, and prostate cancer. In some genes, a change in DNA structure has been linked to cancer. These mutations can be identified by genetic testing. Although some people are genetically predisposed to developing certain types of cancer, many cases of cancers develop by chance. A list of frequently asked questions can be found here. For additional information on genetic counseling, please visit Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered or FORCE website here.
The Windsong Breast Care Hereditary Cancer Risk Program is a program which concentrates on hereditary risk assessment, genetic testing, and screening plans based on individualized risk assessment. Our specially trained genetic counselors can discuss ways to minimize cancer risk or ensure early detection of cancer, when there is the greatest chance of a cure.
How do my genes impact my cancer risk?
Cancer is usually caused by gene mutations. Changes in genes or somatic mutations may arise as a natural consequence of aging. They may also arise when a cell’s DNA has been damaged. These acquired mutations are not passed on from parents to their children.
A different type of mutation called a hereditary mutation, or germline mutation is usually inherited from one or both of the person’s parents. These mutations are present in nearly every cell of the body and can be passed down in families. Although carrying these hereditary mutations does not necessarily mean a person will get cancer, it does increase their risk of developing the disease at some point during their lifetime.
If you have a family history of cancer, or if you would like to find out whether you or a family member has an increased likelihood of developing cancer, the genetic counseling and testing frequently asked questions may help you to better understand how the information can help you and your doctor in making important treatment decisions.
Do you have a personal or family history of cancer?
Genetic counseling and testing can help individuals better understand their risks for certain types of cancer. An appointment with a genetic counselor includes analysis of a person’s medical and family histories. Genetic counselors are also trained to educate patients about testing options, management and prevention. They also discuss the impact results may have on family members.
It is crucial to have this complex information explained by a specialized provider. The cancer genetic counseling program at Windsong, an affiliate of Windsong, is committed to providing patients with the information they need to make an informed decision.
Genetic counseling and testing may be considered for individuals with a personal or strong family history of cancer. Patients that have a personal or family history of one or more of the following may be appropriate for genetic counseling:
Breast and Ovarian Cancer
- Breast cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- Ovarian cancer at any age
- Three or more relatives with breast or ovarian cancer at any age
- Triple-negative breast cancer at age 60 or younger
- Bilateral breast cancer or multiple primary breast cancers
- Breast and ovarian cancer in the same individual
- Male breast cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
- Known genetic mutation in a family member
Colorectal and Endometrial Cancer
- Colorectal cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- Endometrial cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- Three or more relatives with colorectal cancer and/or endometrial cancer
- Known genetic mutation in a family member
Our genetic counselor works closely with the laboratory and a patient’s insurance company to obtain authorization for genetic testing. For more information please call (716) 626-6300.
(Many patients tested at Windsong pay $100 or less for genetic testing.)
A different type of mutation called a hereditary mutation, or germline mutation is usually inherited from one or both of the person’s parents. These mutations are present in nearly every cell of the body and can be passed down in families. Although carrying these hereditary mutations does not necessarily mean a person will get cancer, it does increase their risk of developing the disease at some point during their lifetime.
If you have a family history of cancer, or if you would like to find out whether you or a family member has an increased likelihood of developing cancer, the genetic counseling and testing frequently asked questions may help you to better understand how the information can help you and your doctor in making important treatment decisions.
It is crucial to have this complex information explained by a specialized provider. The cancer genetic counseling program at Windsong, an affiliate of Windsong, is committed to providing patients with the information they need to make an informed decision.
Genetic counseling and testing may be considered for individuals with a personal or strong family history of cancer. Patients that have a personal or family history of one or more of the following may be appropriate for genetic counseling:
Breast and Ovarian Cancer
- Breast cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- Ovarian cancer at any age
- Three or more relatives with breast or ovarian cancer at any age
- Triple-negative breast cancer at age 60 or younger
- Bilateral breast cancer or multiple primary breast cancers
- Breast and ovarian cancer in the same individual
- Male breast cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
- Known genetic mutation in a family member
Colorectal and Endometrial Cancer
- Colorectal cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- Endometrial cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- Three or more relatives with colorectal cancer and/or endometrial cancer
- Known genetic mutation in a family member
Our genetic counselor works closely with the laboratory and a patient’s insurance company to obtain authorization for genetic testing. For more information please call (716) 626-6300.
(Many patients tested at Windsong pay $100 or less for genetic testing.)
Personal or family history of:
- Cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- Triple negative breast cancer diagnosed at age 60 years or younger
- More than one cancer in the same person
- Ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer at any age
- Male breast cancer at any age
- Three or more family members* with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and/or prostate cancer on same side of family
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and/or prostate cancer
- Three or more family members* with colon, uterine, stomach, and/or uterine cancer on the same side of the family
- A previously identified cancer gene mutation in the family*
*Family member defined as a first, second, or third degree relative (parents, siblings, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, half-siblings, great-grandparents, cousins, great-aunts, great-uncles, or great-grandchildren)
