Genetic Testing Part of Cancer Care

Genetic counseling and genetic testing are a part of cancer care. Information from genetic counseling and testing can be helpful for learning about cancer risk and informing treatment decisions. For example, someone might start having cancer screenings at a younger age based on their test results. Genetic testing can also help with surgery recommendations. It can help determine what medication may be best for someone (targeted therapy) or what information can help family members.

Moffitt Cancer Center has a team of nine genetic counselors. We meet with patients to review their chances of having a genetic risk for cancer. We talk about what genetic testing is and how it may help someone. If you have cancer, your Moffitt doctor may send you to meet with a genetic counselor.

Genetic counselors can help a person decide if genetic testing is best for them while also discussing their cancer and family history. Genetic testing is usually done by blood or saliva sample and may be covered by insurance. If insurance does not pay for testing, the self-pay price for a test is $249.

Genetic counselors also meet with people who don’t have cancer, like family members. Anyone can ask for a visit with a genetic counselor. Genetic counselors offer both in-person and virtual appointments. While your provider may suggest genetic counseling, you can always ask your provider if seeing a genetic counselor could be helpful for you. You can also self-refer for an appointment.

This story was originally published in the PARTNERS newsletter. Visit Moffitt.org/PARTNERS for more stories and to learn more.