Genetic Counseling

Is Genetic Counseling Right for You?

• Does cancer run in your family? 
• Were you diagnosed with cancer at a young age? 
• When you heard about Angelina Jolie’s experience with BRCA1 genetic testing and her decision to have her breasts and ovaries removed to reduce her risk, did you wonder whether you or someone in your family should get tested? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, genetic counseling – and possibly genetic testing – can help you and your family. 

Although many people have a family history of cancer, only 5-10 percent of cancers are due to an inherited susceptibility.  Genetic counseling can help you learn more about hereditary risks for cancer, and how genetic testing may provide important information for you and your family. 

The MedStar Georgetown Cancer Network program provides a full range of services to help you and your family when inherited, cancer-related mutations are suspected.