News You Can Use A monthly newsletter from the Cancer Learning Center March 2010 – Issue 56 Genetic Counseling and Testing


About 10 percent of all cancers result from genes passed down through families, according to the American Cancer Society. Genetic counseling and testing can help people with a family history of cancer.


What is genetic counseling?


Genetic counselors have training to study family histories and recommend special cancer screening schedules or genetic tests. Tey can answer questions to help make important decisions about health care.


Should I get genetic counseling?


Not everyone needs genetic counseling. Meeting with a genetic counselor may help families with one or more of the following traits:


• More than one close family member with the same type of cancer


• More than one type of cancer in the same family member


• A family member who developed cancer before age 50


• A family member with a rare type of cancer


What is genetic testing?


Genetic tests can help identify family members who may be at increased risk. Genetic testing cannot predict if cancer will develop. Genetic counseling and testing can provide high-risk families with information for cancer prevention and screening.


Beauty in the Building


“The Doctor is Here” by A.D. Shaw hangs in the fifth floor family lounge of Huntsman Cancer Hospital. Nearly all art in Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) buildings was donated for patients to enjoy. For more information about donating fine art to HCI, please contact Roni Whittle at 801-587-9315.


Te Cancer Learning Center


(CLC) is a free resource library on the first floor of


Huntsman Cancer Institute 801-581-6365 1-888-424-2100


www.huntsmancancer.org/clc


RESOURCES IN THE CANCER LEARNING CENTER


Genetic counselors can help some families with a family history of cancer identify members who may be at higher risk.


Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Family Cancer Assessment Clinic helps families with high cancer risk. For more information or to meet with a counselor, call 801-587-9555.


Books


Te Mayo Clinic Diet: Eat Well. Enjoy Life. Lose Weight.


Patients’ Guide to Kidney Cancer


Surviving the Cancer System: An Empowering Guide to Taking Control of Your Care


Video AM-PM Yoga for Beginners


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