Cancer is a common disease. One out of every 3 Americans will develop cancer during their lifetime. Many of us have one or more family members affected by cancer and wonder Does My Family Have a Hereditary Risk for Cancer? The good news is that the majority of cancer (90%) is sporadic and caused by a variety of factors, including genetic makeup and environmental influences. Only about 5-10% of cancer is hereditary. It is important to identify families with a hereditary susceptibility to cancer because in many cases they can take steps to reduce their risk or prevent cancer from occurring.

Click here for a printable brochure about our program.

Click here for information on Genetic Counseling and Testing for Underserved Populations at High Risk for Hereditary Breast Cancer.

Cancer and Your Family Tree

"Ask the Geneticist" questions and answers on cancer genetics.

Our Program
The Department of Human Genetics at Emory University School of Medicine is dedicated to revolutionizing patient care through human genetics research. The goal of the Cancer Genetics Program is to provide patients with the most current information about hereditary cancer risk and guidelines for cancer screening and treatment. Through one-on-one consultation with a genetic counselor, patients can share their concerns about the cancer history in their family and receive personalized risk assessment and information about genetic testing options. Genetic counselors provide support for families choosing to pursue genetic testing and follow-up consultation to discuss the implications of test results.

To make an appointment for Cancer Genetic Counseling in

• Atlanta: call (404)778-8549 or toll-free (800)366-1502
• Macon: call (478)633-6329

Click here to refer a patient for cancer genetic counseling.

Patient Questionnaires
Click here to print the cancer genetic quesionnaire for women.
Click here to print the cancer genetic questionnaire for men.

Before your cancer genetic counseling appointment, please complete and return your questionnaire via fax or mail to:

Emory Cancer Genetics Program
2165 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA. 30033
FAX (404) 778-8559.

Cancer Genetic Counseling
The genetic counseling process is designed to provide comprehensive information and support to the patient and their family, as well as to the referring physician. Although a physician referral is not required by the Cancer Genetics Program, patients should know that their insurance company may require a referral in order to cover the services.

Initial Visit
Once an appointment is made for genetic counseling, a packet of information including the appointment date and time, directions, and a medical and family history questionnaire will be sent to the patient. If possible, the medical and family history questionnaire should be returned to the counseling office prior to the patient's appointment. The initial visit with the genetic counselor will include a review of the personal and family medical history, a discussion of the role genes play in the development of cancer, personalized risk assessment for hereditary cancer, description of the genetic testing process, and information about cancer risk reduction and prevention strategies.

Genetic Testing
In most cases it is best for the patient to take time to consider their risk for hereditary cancer and the pros and cons of genetic testing before making a decision, due to the complexity and amount of information shared with the patient at their initial visit. If a patient decides to pursue genetic testing, a second visit is scheduled to have the patient's blood drawn. Waiting also allows the patient time to think of additional questions and to obtain authorization for testing from their insurance company, if necessary. Test results take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the specific test ordered. The average time to receive results is 3-4 weeks. A third visit to receive the test results is scheduled at this appointment.

Results Disclosure
The Cancer Genetics Program Team strives to provide quality patient care in a compassionate and supportive environment. For this reason, we believe that it is important for patients to receive the results of their genetic testing in person so they can ask questions and discuss the implications of the test results for themselves and their families. This is consistent with the policies of other nationally recognized cancer genetics programs. The genetic counselor will also be able to coordinate additional testing if needed and to assist with identifying cancer genetics professionals for at-risk family members who live out of state.

Who Should Consider a Cancer Genetics Consultation?
A cancer genetics consultation will be most beneficial to:

• Individuals with a strong family history of cancer. This means having two or more close relatives* with the same or related types of cancer (e.g. breast and ovarian; uterine and colon) especially if the cancer occurred prior to age 50
• Individuals diagnosed with cancer under age 50
• Individuals who have had more than one type of cancer or bilateral cancers (e.g. cancer in both breasts)
• Individuals with rare cancers (e.g. male breast cancer)
• Individuals from families with a known hereditary cancer syndrome
• Individuals who want to learn more about hereditary susceptibility to cancer
• *Close relatives include parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, half-siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren

What Happens after a Cancer Genetics Consultation?
Following an initial genetic counseling visit, the patient will receive detailed written information about cancer genetics, specific cancer risks associated with hereditary cancer syndromes, and the pros and cons of genetic testing. A letter summarizing the patient's family history, personal risk assessment, and plans for genetic testing will be sent to the patient and to their referring physician. If patients choose to proceed with genetic testing, another letter will be sent to the patient and referring physician following the test results disclosure session. This letter will review the test results and contain recommendations for cancer screening and surveillance as well as an assessment of other family members who may be at risk.

The Cancer Genetics Team
The Department of Human Genetics has assembled a talented team of genetics professionals. Our counselors are certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and have over 10 years of clinical experience including specialized training in cancer genetics. The supervising clinical geneticist reviews all cases and provides physical evaluation when appropriate. Genetic counselors are members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the American College of Medical Genetics, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. These professional affiliations connect our program to a nationwide network of professionals who can assist with complex cases and enable our counselors to stay abreast of new developments in cancer genetics, current research studies, and cancer prevention strategies.

Paul M. Fernhoff, M.D., FA.A.P.
Medical Director
Board-Certified Clinical Geneticist & Pediatrician

Christine Stanislaw, M.S., C.G.C.
Board-Certified Genetic Counselor
Program Leader, Adult & Cancer Genetic Services

Ken Loud, M.S., C.G.C.
Board-Certified Genetic Counselor

Alice Tanner, Ph.D., M.S.
Board-Eligible Genetic Counselor

Clinical Consultants, Winship Cancer Institute