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Educational Opportunity
Cancer CONNECTION Day
Spotlight: Gynecological Cancers & Genetic Testing
June 10, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Galter Pavilion, 21st Floor Conference Room
675 N. St. Clair
No charge-all are welcome
http://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/events/index.cfm
The Role of Family in Breast Cancer
June 16, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Flourish Studios
3020 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
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What is Genetic Testing?
Certain inherited gene flaws have been linked to higher risk of some cancers. Tests (called predictive gene tests) have been developed that will find some of these cancer-related genes in the human body. Gene testing can show which people are at higher risk of getting a disease before any symptoms appear. An accurate gene test can tell if a person has or does not have a disease-related gene flaw (mutation). It cannot predict whether a person will actually develop cancer.
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Family History
It is important to identify families with a hereditary susceptibility to cancer because in many cases they can take steps to reduce their own risk and the risk of family members, or prevent cancer from occurring in the first place.
Only about 5-10% of cancer is hereditary. You are more likely to have a hereditary cause to the cancer in your family if:
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Genetic Counseling
People thinking about being tested should learn more by talking with professional genetic counselors. These counselors are often nurses who are trained to help people as they consider testing. Once testing is done, these counselors can help the patient and family understand the results and help them decide about prevention or treatment options.
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Preparing for a visit with the genetic counselor
The more information you have about the cancer history in your family, the more you will benefit from your genetic counseling visit. Information that is helpful and may be requested by the counseling center includes:
• Your medical records—specifically doctors' notes and pathology reports from any biopsies, surgery, or routine screening examinations (such as a colonoscopy).
• A list of extended family members that includes their current age or age at the time of death and the cause of death. This list should include parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandparents, and cousins.
• Information regarding the specific type(s) of cancer in family members and the age at which family members were diagnosed with cancer. Pathology reports are often helpful.
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Who Pays for Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is complicated, and it can be expensive. Some tests cost more than others, but the final bill can be thousands of dollars. Be sure you have an idea of how much it may cost.
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