Genetic research plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. To help patients and their families understand and evaluate their risk for certain diseases, New York Oncology Hematology offers a comprehensive hereditary risk assessment program, including:
Dr. Karen Tedesco is director of NYOH’s Hereditary Risk Assessment Program and many of our Advanced Practice Providers and nursing staff are part of our Hereditary Risk Assessment team. Dr. Tedesco recently completed the City of Hope Cancer Center Intensive Course in Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment, ensuring NYOH patients have access to the very latest information and testing.
Although hereditary risk assessment and genetic testing cannot predict whether you will actually develop cancer, understanding your risk for developing the disease can help you and your family in making important decisions, including regular screenings that can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.
To schedule a consultation with a member of the NYOH Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment team, please call any NYOH office.
Today, tests are available that can detect certain gene mutations. Genetic testing can determine whether you have a hereditary predisposition that may put you at higher risk of developing cancer before any symptoms appear.
Although genetic testing cannot predict whether you will actually develop cancer, there are several conditions where a patient’s risk for developing cancer is higher. You may consider genetic testing if you or a family member has had the following:
Although genetic testing cannot predict whether you will actually develop cancer, understanding your risk of developing the disease can be an important step in making medical and lifestyle decisions that can help prevent cancer or about getting regular screenings that can detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Our goal is to make hereditary cancer genetic testing more accessible, convenient, and easier to understand for eligible patients. As part of this pilot program, patients may have the opportunity to receive additional education and support through a virtual Myriad representative before deciding whether to proceed with testing.
This approach is designed to:
The decision to undergo genetic testing remains the patient's choice, and NYOH clinicians will continue to be involved in the patient's care and review of genetic testing results.
Genetic testing may be completed following a phone consultation/education session in our office with a Myriad representative or an NYOH clinician.
During this consultation, patients will receive education regarding the testing process, potential benefits and limitations, possible results, and other information needed to make an informed decision.
If the patient elects to proceed with testing, a blood sample will be collected at NYOH and submitted to Myriad Genetics for analysis.
Once results are available, they will be reviewed with you during follow-up. Based on your results, we will discuss appropriate next steps and cancer risk options, which may include closer medical observation, more frequent testing, preventive surgery, and/or preventive medication.
You will also receive educational resources, information about billing and insurance support, and appropriate contact information for any questions or concerns. As your needs change over time, your care plan may change as well. NYOH’s dedicated team will be with you every step of the way.
HIPAA protects patient privacy and prohibits health insurance providers from discriminating based on genetic information. Genetic testing may be covered by health insurance when testing criteria are met. Most laboratories, including Myriad Genetics, can review insurance coverage and eligibility before testing is completed. Myriad and its support team can assist patients with questions about insurance coverage, billing, and available financial assistance options.
To schedule a consultation with a member of the NYOH Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment team, please call any NYOH office.
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