Prevention & Screening
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When it comes to your health, knowledge is power. In order to understand your risk of developing cancer, it’s important to evaluate your risk factors and to make plans to manage any potential risks. Overlake offers genetic counseling consultations and cancer screening tests.
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling and testing provides more than a plan. It can provide peace of mind for you and your family.
The Overlake Cancer Center offers screenings to determine if you may benefit from genetic counseling and, if necessary, testing to manage risk for hereditary cancer.
Genetic testing looks for inherited changes in a person’s genes. Harmful changes (mutations) in some genes are associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. Individuals with a hereditary risk for cancer can participate in increased screening to catch cancer at an earlier stage. In some cases, cancer risk can be reduced with lifestyle changes, medication or surgery.
A genetic counselor has specialized training in genetics, as well as counseling. At your appointment, your genetic counselor will assess your family history, discuss inheritance risks, and determine if genetic testing is right for you and your family. If it is, we’ll collect a sample (blood or saliva) and send it to a lab. We’ll also discuss your medical, psychological, financial and privacy concerns with care and compassion. Most insurance companies cover genetic testing services for hereditary cancer.
Screening Guidelines
The following is a list of screening guidelines for some common cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, certain screening tests may be recommended only for those who have a high risk for certain cancers. Always discuss with your healthcare provider which screenings are right for you.