Genetics Precision Medicine and Genetics Precision Medicine and Genetics Genetics Hereditary Cancer Program BRCA Testing Preconception and Prenatal Genetic Services Carrier Status Screening Proactive Genetic Screening Genetic Testing at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Knowledge is power – and understanding your cancer risk will help you make informed healthcare and lifestyle decisions. Genetic testing allows us to more accurately identify patients who are at a higher risk for disease. It’s very different than ancestry-focused or at-home genetic testing, which doesn’t consider family history or personal health factors. At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we use genetic testing to examine cancer risk factors, including your family’s cancer history, personal health history, gene testing and genetic markers. When a patient decides to move forward with genetic testing, we use those results to guide personalized screening and prevention plan. We offer genetic counseling for the following cancers: Brain/nervous system cancer Breast cancer Digestive cancer Genitourinary cancer Gynecologic cancer Head and neck cancer Skin cancer Genetic Testing: The Basics Gene changes are one of the known causes of cancer. These genetic changes can be passed down from one generation to another. A gene testing studies DNA to look for changes (mutations) that might increase your cancer risk. This type of specialized analysis can uncover a hereditary cancer syndrome or if you have a predisposition for a specific type of disease. How a gene functions can also be affected throughout your lifetime if exposed to cancerous substances such as tobacco, asbestos and ultraviolet rays. Benefits of genetic testing include: Identifying a genetic cancer risk in yourself or a loved one Coordinated preventive care and screenings Tailored cancer treatment to your specific genetic mutation For more information on genetic testing, call (859) 301-GENE (4363) to schedule a free consultation with one of our licensed genetic counselors. St. Elizabeth is the only cancer program in Northern Kentucky to offer our patients on-site genetic counselors. We’re here to help – call us today to schedule an appointment to learn if genetic testing is the right choice for you. Genetic Testing: The Cost At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, our genetic counselors offer state-of-the-art testing at a reasonable cost. The consultation appointment with a certified genetic counselor is free of charge. Over ninety percent of people who undergo genetic testing will spend less than $100 out of pocket. There is a maximum out-of-pocket of $250 for the most commonly used genetic test. Individual insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, may offer complete coverage. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (859) 301-GENE (4363) Cancer Prevention Clinic If you have an increased cancer risk or a known mutation, the St. Elizabeth Comprehensive Cancer Prevention Clinic team offers specialized, coordinated care. We work with each patient to develop a personalized screening plan and steps to help reduce your cancer risk – including recommendations on lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk. These may include increased screening measures, preventative surgery, medication, healthy nutrition, exercise and reducing alcohol use. You’ll find the support and care you need for your situation. To learn more about the Cancer Prevention Clinic, please call (859) 301-GENE (4363) Frequently Asked Questions: Genetic Testing What is genetic testing? Genetic testing looks for specific inherited changes (variants) in a person’s genes. Harmful variants in some genes are known to be associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. These inherited variants are thought to contribute to about 5-10% of all cancers.* Source: cancer.gov What are the benefits of genetic testing? Genetic test results can alter medical management for you and your family members. For people who are already diagnosed with cancer, genetic testing results may help them make decisions about their treatment and may help them better understand their risk for other types of cancer. Family members who have the same gene variant can be proactive by increasing their cancer screening and surveillance. How is genetic testing done? At the genetic counseling appointment, a licensed genetic counselor will review and evaluate the personal and family history of cancer. We take a blood or saliva sample and send it to a laboratory that specializes in genetic testing. The personalized results are then sent to the genetic counselor within two to three weeks. How much will the test cost? Over ninety percent of people who undergo genetic testing will spend less than $100 out of pocket. There is a maximum out-of-pocket of $250 for self-pay patients. The consultation is free of charge. Is my privacy protected? Genetic information is covered by the Privacy Rule of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, which requires that healthcare providers protect the privacy of health information. In addition, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) became federal law in 2008. GINA prohibits discrimination based on genetic information in determining health insurance eligibility or rates and suitability for employment. However, GINA may not protect individuals in certain circumstances. Additional information is available at www.ginahelp.org.