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Genetic Counselors Prove Essential To Genetic Testing
WDI newsletter Winter 2009
RIDGEWOOD, New Jersey — Within the last number of years, genetic predisposition testing has emerged as one of the most important screening tools available for women at high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Predisposition testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations associated with these cancers are already fairly well established and considered reliable. The great unknown of genetic predisposition testing among women generally centers on who needs testing and how to interpret results. These and other questions are the source of no small amount of emotional distress to women.
Their distress is mostly due to a general lack of access to straightforward information about genetic testing. The media fuels the problem by offering mostly hype, not knowledge, about genetic testing.
For women who seek practical answers to their unique concerns about predisposition testing, the best advice is to meet with a genetic counselor.
Genetic counselors are specialized health professionals with rigorous, graduate-level training and experience in medical genetics and counseling. During an initial counseling session, genetic counselors focus on the patient’s family medical history; describe the testing process; discuss specific testing options, and; review the benefits and limitations of testing.
Post-testing, patients generally schedule a follow up session to review results, and, if needed, evaluate what a raised cancer risk means to them and their family. Genetic counselors help patients understand the underlying genetics of cancer, and help patients develop a custom screening routine.
A recent study from the National Cancer Institute’s Clinical Genetics Branch measured the intensity of fear and anxiety women feel before testing. The findings revealed that the emotional response among women contemplating genetic predisposition testing is often overwhelming.
Within the study’s sample population, this anxiety often resulted in a moderate to severe negative impact on relationships—particularly when results indicated an elevated risk.
Women who received counseling before and after testing fared better. The study concludes that intervention via genetic counseling has appreciable positive effects on the patient, her family, and spouse or partner.
Genetic-based tests to measure breast and ovarian cancer risk allow high-risk women to take advantage of numerous proactive cancer management options. These include therapeutic prevention, preventative surgery, lifestyle adjustments, and steady surveillance.
But it often takes genetic counseling to set groundwork for these measures to provide maximum effectiveness. Otherwise, the destructive consequences of fear and uncertainty may diminish their effectiveness. The best prescription for genetic testing candidates is the information to be gained from testing and the compassionate guidance they’ll receive from an experienced genetic counselor.
To schedule an appointment with our on-site genetic counselor, Brenda Zak, M.S., please call WDI at 201-444-4484.
Health Hint
A recent New Jersey law may entitle women to an annual mammogram under the preventive care portion of their health insurance policy. The test is not subject to deductible or co-insurance payments and is fully reimbursable. Speak to your insurance carrier to learn more about this valuable benefit.
Women’s Health Imaging Quarterly is published four times a year by Women’s Digital Imaging of Ridgewood, New Jersey, a private practice led by Dr. Lisa Weinstock, specializing in detecting and diagnosing conditions such as breast cancer, gynecologic diseases and osteoporosis. WDI offers a comfortable, private environment, the accuracy of the most advanced diagnostic instruments, and exceptional care from compassionate, highly qualified female doctors.
© Copyright 2008 Women’s Digital Imaging of Ridgewood, New Jersey, All Rights Reserved
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