Medical research is quickly expanding our knowledge of cancer and genetics. We know that certain cancers are more likely to run in families. These include breast, colon, ovarian, melanoma and pancreatic cancer.
We can test for genetic links to those cancers. Knowing your cancer risk factors, including genetics, can make a huge impact on your future health.
It can promote the following:
- Ways to reduce your risk of cancer
- Early check ups and tests
- Treatment choices
The end result? Peace of mind knowing you’re doing all you can to live a long healthy life.
Our Services Include:
Initial Assessment
Our first meeting lets us answer your questions and do a complete cancer risk assessment. We record your personal and family medical history. We also discuss inheritance patterns and risks. Based on this information, we can give advice for or against testing.
Genetic Education
Before testing, we meet with you to discuss the risks, benefits and limits of genetic testing. We also provide emotional support and answer any of your questions.
Test Coordination
We coordinate testing with the doctor and lab. We will notify you when test results are returned.
Education
After test results are available, we will set up a time to meet with you. We will go over the results and explain your options.
Referral and Resource Support
We will discuss your treatment choices, which may range from simple lifestyle changes to long term medical care. We also offer emotional support and, will offer to explain the information to family members.
To contact the Alegent Creighton Health Cancer Genetics program, please call 402-398-6071 or toll-free 1-866-403-2743. After business hours and on weekends, contact us online or call 1-800-ALEGENT (1-800-253-4368.) Download a cancer genetics brochure.
Insurance Plans
We will talk about insurance, privacy and genetic discrimination during our first meeting. Many health plans now cover genetic testing. Once you decide that you want testing, we can work with you to gather details about your plan. We will also let you know of laws in place to make sure that you are not treated unfairly because of test results.
Confidentiality
Alegent Health treats all genetic information with strict privacy. Each client is assigned a genetics program number. Records are kept in a blinded file under lock and key. Genetic risk assessments, medical information and test results are also kept separate from your medical record. No one will have access to this information without your written consent.
Who Should Consider Genetic Education Testing?
Not all cancers are inherited. Almost 90 percent of cancers are attributed to environmental factors, lifestyle choices or a combination of reasons. You should think about genetic education and counseling if your family history includes:
- Multiple cases of cancer, especially breast, colon, ovarian, melanoma and pancreatic
- Cancer in certain paired organs, including breast/ovary, colon/endometrial, or melanoma/pancreatic
- Cancer at a very early age
- A known genetic abnormality
