To provide our genetic counselors with more information about your personal and family history, complete our questionnaire.
Researchers are constantly making advances into understanding and detecting links between specific genetic alteration, or mutations, and the higher risk for developing certain types of cancer, heart disease or other conditions. These mutations and the associated risks can be passed through families. Knowing this information can lead to increased screening and monitoring of patients at higher genetic risk, to potentially diagnose these conditions early, when they are most easily treated. This information can also provide many with options to reduce their risk of developing the disease.
The Genetic Counseling Program at Baylor offers specially trained genetic counselors to help assess an individual’s likelihood of having an increased risk to develop certain types of cancer, heart disease or other conditions. The genetic counselor works with each patient to discuss possible appropriate action if an alteration is revealed. Counseling and testing for the patient and appropriate family members is recommended if a genetic mutation is detected.
Patients who are most appropriate for genetic counseling are generally those with a strong personal or family history of disease.
For appropriate patients, genetic counselors on staff at Baylor will review personal and family medical information and construct and analyze a medical family tree (pedigree). They will calculate a risk assessment and perform specialized genetic testing when indicated. If a patient tests positive for a genetic mutation that could lead to disease, counselors discuss guidelines for continued monitoring and screening, prevention options, inheritance patterns, education about research opportunities and a report interpreting their test results.
Download the Hereditary Cancer Risk Program questionnaire.
For more information about the Genetic Counseling Program at Baylor or to schedule an appointment, please call 1.800.4BAYLOR.