Genetic counseling: The best cancer is the one you never get
For people who have had certain cancers or certain patterns of cancer in their family, genetic testing and counseling can be a lifesaver.\n\nHeather Hampel, a Professor and genetic counselor at The Ohio State University\u2019s Comprehensive Cancer Center, explains how genetic testing can help prevent cancer and personalize treatments for cancer patients. \n\nShe talks about her research into breast cancer health equity, which is funded by the American Cancer Society, and about Lynch Syndrome, which increases risk for several types of cancer that are preventable if you know you have Lynch Syndrome.\n\nShe also describes some of the red flags that indicate someone should seek cancer genetic counseling; she encourages such individuals to visit www.findageneticcounselor.com. \n\nYou can learn more about genetic testing and counseling on the American Cancer Society\u2019s website: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/genetics/understanding-genetic-testing-for-cancer.html\n\n\n2:45 -What is a genetic counselor?\n\n3:34 - How can genetic counselors help someone who has had a cancer diagnosis \n\n9:02 \u2013 The importance of HR3235: the 2019 Access to Genetics Counselor Services Act \n\u201cWhat this bill would do\u2026is it actually would make genetic counselors recognized providers for Medicare.\u201d\n\n11:44 \u2013 On her research into Lynch Syndrome, which increases risk for several types of cancer that are preventable if you know you have Lynch Syndrome.\n\n \u201cWe think 1 out of every 279 individuals has Lynch Syndrome, yet 95% of individuals with Lynch Syndrome are not aware of their diagnosis.\u201d\n\n16:57 \u2013 On cascade testing, when genetic testing is given to at-risk relatives of someone with a hereditary condition \n\n20:33 \u2013 How genetic testing can sometimes help personalize your cancer treatment\n\n23:27 \u2013 Her new American Cancer Society-funded research project, \u201cTurning the Page on Breast Cancer\u201d\n\n27:12 \u2013 Some of the red flags that indicate someone should seek cancer genetic counseling