Cancer Genetic Counseling and Testing

Some families are more likely to get cancer than others. This predisposition to get cancer comes from genes that are passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling for cancer can help you and your family understand your cancer risk. 

The UK Markey Cancer Center Clinical Genetic Counseling Program has an expert, supportive team of licensed genetic counselors. We work with each patient and family to develop your unique risk assessment and help you plan your next steps. 

What is genetic counseling for cancer?

About 5 to 10 percent of families are predisposed to cancer because of a gene that doesn’t work properly. Markey’s genetic counselors are medical genetics specialists. We offer expert guidance on your personal risk for these inherited cancers. We also offer genetic testing and cancer prevention plans. 

We’ll help you understand your risk and guide you through your choices. Our counselors also provide emotional support to help you cope with the range of emotions that can come up during genetic counseling and testing.  

Our genetic specialists:

• Conduct a complete review of your medical and family history
• Make recommendations on who in your family should get genetic testing
• Analyze your chances of having a hereditary cancer syndrome and your cancer risk
• Recommend cancer screenings to check for early signs of the disease
• Provide emotional support tailored to your unique needs 

What is genetic testing for cancer?

Genetic testing is a laboratory DNA test done with a small blood or saliva sample. You choose whether you have genetic testing after having genetic counseling. You will receive a cancer risk assessment during your genetic counseling session even if you don’t get genetic testing. 

Who benefits from genetic counseling for cancer? 

You may benefit from genetic counseling or testing if you or any close relatives have had:

• Rare cancers such as ovarian cancer, male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, triple-negative breast cancer or medullary thyroid cancer
• Metastatic prostate cancer or metastatic Her2 negative breast cancer
• Early-onset cancer (typically diagnosed before age 50)
• One or more family members with two primary cancers (two original tumors that develop cancer in different sites)
• Multiple family members with the same or related types of cancer, such as breast and ovarian cancer or colon and uterine cancer
• Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish background and family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• A gene mutation associated with increased risk for cancer, such as BRCA or Lynch syndrome

Get ready for your appointment

Your genetic counseling appointment will take about 45-60 minutes. 

We will send you a questionnaire before your visit. Fill out the questionnaire and gather the following information to help us at your appointment: 

• Ages and causes of death for immediate family members
• Types of cancer diagnosed in your family and ages at diagnosis
• Pathology reports and medical records if you’ve been treated for cancer at another institution
• Any genetic test results from family members

If you are a genetic counseling patient, you can complete your online questionnaire before your appointment. If you have trouble logging in, call us at 859-323-2798 or email us.

Insurance for genetic counseling and genetic testing

Most insurance plans cover genetic counseling and testing. You should contact your insurance company to make sure you have coverage. 

Genetic discrimination and privacy

We keep your cancer risk information private. We won’t share this information with anyone except you and your doctor without your permission.

Some people worry that having genetic testing might affect their health insurance or job. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) protects you from discrimination. Your counselor will explain how the law safeguards you.