Cancer genetic counseling and testing
About 5 to 10 percent of all cancers are hereditary. At Advocate Health Care, we offer comprehensive risk assessments and genetic testing to identify high-risk patients and provide personalized care plans, if needed.
Should I consider genetic counseling?
There are a variety of reasons where genetic counseling is strongly recommended, including:
- Earlier than usual age of onset of cancer (younger than 50)
- More than one type of cancer in the same individual
- Several family members with cancer
- Bilateral cancer in paired organs (breasts, eyes, kidneys)
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with breast, ovarian, colon or pancreatic cancer
- A rare cancer such as fallopian tube cancer or male breast cancer
- More than one childhood cancer like sarcoma or leukemia
- Family member with a known gene mutation like BRCA or cancer predisposition syndrome, such as Lynch, familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary breast/ovarian cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia or Li Fraumeni syndrome.
If any of these factors apply to you, schedule an appointment.
What to expect
During your appointment, you and your genetics provider will:
- Review the medical history of both you and your family
- Assess your personal risk for cancer
- Identify family members who may have an increased risk for cancer
- Review information about the genetics of cancer predisposition
- Discuss appropriate screening tests and medical evaluations
- Discuss genetic testing, including the risks, benefits and limitations
- Arrange genetic testing if appropriate
- Discuss laws that protect against genetic discrimination by health insurers and employers
- Identify useful resources, including support groups and research studies
- Refer to other appropriate specialists
Our comprehensive services
During your visit, you will meet with one of our experts who will assess your risk for cancer by asking questions about your personal medical history, family's medical history, lifestyle and environmental exposures.
Individuals with a genetic predisposition have a far greater chance of developing certain cancers within their lifetime, typically at an earlier age of onset. Genetic risk assessments can help determine whether a family has a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome and who may be at risk.
Our specialists will discuss the option of genetic testing and the likelihood of identifying an issue based on your personal history as well as your family's. You'll have a complete educational session focused on the risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing. Our experts will also discuss the emotional aspects of knowing your cancer risk. You can then decide if you want to go through the process.
Results of genetic testing typically take two to four weeks to complete. We review them in person or by phone.
If risks are discovered, a cancer surveillance and risk-reduction plan is designed by our multidisciplinary team. Our specialists also identify support groups and other resources as well as help obtain insurance coverage prior to testing.
Individuals who have a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome are at risk of developing certain cancers in their lifetime and are recommended to follow high-risk cancer surveillance and management.
Benefits of genetic testing
Individuals who go through genetic testing could see an improvement in their health and quality of life because it may:
- Identify a cause of cancer
- Identify family members, such as children or siblings, who have an increased risk of cancer and may benefit from screening
- Find no increased risk of cancer
- Help develop an individualized cancer screening schedule
- Aid in decision-making about risk-reducing surgery
- Alter cancer treatment
Advocate Aurora Hereditary Cancer Clinic
Our mission: The purpose of the Advocate Aurora Hereditary Cancer Clinics is to address the prevention and cancer risk management needs of patients and their at-risk relatives with hereditary cancer conditions as well as to provide continuity and coordination of care.
Our team: Medical oncologists, genetic counselors, nNavigators, and assistants
Our services:
- Education: Discussion of the hereditary cancer syndrome and implications for the individual and family
- Care: Physical examination when appropriate, review of previous screening evaluations, and ongoing coordination of screening recommendations and follow-up
- Family testing: Family members are encouraged to attend to learn more and to discuss genetic testing
Genetic counseling & testing locations
To schedule an appointment for genetic counseling at one of our locations, use the phone numbers below.
Advocate Christ Medical Center
Outpatient Pavilion
95th Street and Kilbourn Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Phone 708-684-3373
Fax 708-520-1906
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
900 W. Nelson St.
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone 773-296-7248
Fax 773-296-7731
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
1875 Dempster St., Suite 285
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Phone 847-723-7705
Fax 847-723-8675
Aurora BayCare Medical Center
2845 Greenbrier Rd., Suite 250
Green Bay, WI 54311
Phone 877-647-2502
Aurora Cancer Care
1055 N. Mayfair Rd.
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Phone 877-647-2502
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