What is Genetic Counselling
A Genetic Counsellor, is able to provide information about genetics and inheritance, genetic testing (where appropriate), calculation of an individual’s cancer risk based on their family health history and/or genetic test results and a cancer risk management plan which may include screening, risk reducing medication and/or preventative surgery.
A Genetic Counsellors role is to provide information and support to people and families to:
- to investigate a family health history
- learn about and adjust to the knowledge of being at increased cancer risk
- learn about genetic testing and understand results of testing where performed
- learn about ways to manage an increased cancer risk
- support decision making regarding ways to manage increased cancer risks
- talk about genetic risk information with family members
The Pink Hope video Genetic Counsellor for Breast and Ovarian Cancer covers the role of a Genetic Counsellor.
