Genetic Testing & Counseling
Cancer Genetic Testing and Counseling at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Saint Francis Hospital Cancer Center
Our partnership with Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven gives you access to additional expertise and services.
You benefit from the expertise of our cancer genetics team, which includes:
- Geneticists
- Genetic counselors
- Physicians
- Nurses
We work together to assess your hereditary cancer risk. Genetic counselors explain testing options and how this information may affect your health. We also provide personalized cancer prevention recommendations. You will receive the support you need as you take steps toward lowering your cancer risk.
Is Cancer Genetic Testing Right for Me?
There is no such thing as a single “cancer gene.” Genetic testing detects abnormal or “mutated” genes that may lead to a cancer diagnosis. Having these genes does not always mean you’ll end up with cancer. Testing helps our experts estimate your chance of developing specific types of cancer in your lifetime.
You may benefit from genetic testing if you have a:
- Family history of hereditary cancers, including colorectal, breast and ovarian cancer
- Personal history of cancer, including cancer at a young age (diagnosis at 45 years or younger)
- Hereditary cancer syndrome, such as Lynch syndrome, meaning you have genes that cause cancers affecting parts of the digestive system
- Certain ethnic background, such as Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish heritage
Cancer Genetic Testing and Counseling: Why Choose The Smilow Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program?
Our cancer genetic testing gives you access to important information about your cancer risk and care options. Some Trinity Health Of New England locations have on-site genetic counselors, many with additional training in cancer genetics. We work with you and your care team to prevent cancer. If you do receive a cancer diagnosis, this information helps us deliver exceptional care.
Preventing cancer with genetic testing and counseling
If you are at risk for inherited cancers, we offer:
- Support: Genetic testing can uncover information about your health that’s difficult to hear. We help you cope by answering questions and discussing ways to reduce your cancer risk.
- Prevention: Genetic testing helps us tailor services to lower your cancer risk. We may recommend more frequent cancer screenings, such as mammograms or MRIs for breast cancer. If your breast cancer risk is high, we discuss whether preventive surgery to remove part or all of your breast is necessary.
Using cancer genetic testing to deliver exceptional care
If you receive a diagnosis for hereditary cancer, you benefit from:
- Coordinated treatments: Genetic counselors often take part in meetings called tumor boards where cancer experts discuss care for complex cases. We consider the treatments that are best for your circumstances and meticulously plan your care.
- Clinical trials: Our experts are advancing cancer care through clinical trials. We offer clinical trials for some genetic tests and hereditary cancer treatments. Get more information about our cancer research and clinical trials.
Contact Us
To learn more about our Genetics Testing and Counseling program call, (860) 714-4679.
