Knowledge about cancer genetics is rapidly expanding, with implications for all aspects of cancer management, including prevention, screening, and treatment. Genetic counseling has been defined by the American Society of Human Genetics as "a communication process which deals with the human problems associated with the occurrence or risk of occurrence of a genetic disorder in a family."

The process involves an attempt by one or more appropriately trained persons to help the individual or family to:

1. comprehend the medical facts, including the diagnosis, probable course of the disorder, and the available management;
2. appreciate the way that heredity contributes to the disorder and to the risk of recurrence in specific relatives;
3. understand the alternatives for dealing with the risk of recurrence;
4. choose a course of action which seems to them appropriate in view of their risk, their family goals, and their ethical and religious standards and act in accordance with that decision; and
5. make the best possible adjustment to the disorder in an affected family member and/or to the risk of recurrence of that disorder.

Genetic counseling has expanded to include discussion of genetic testing for cancer risk as more genes associated with inherited cancer risk have been discovered. Cancer genetic risk assessment, counseling and genetic testing are available at St. John's Mercy Cancer Center. Please call 314-251-6400 for more information.