Testing 101: Knowing Your Risk and Taking Action

We've all heard the phrase, "It's genetic." But what does that really mean, especially when it comes to our health?

Family history is a big part of who we are, but just because my grandfather had heart disease and my grandmother had breast cancer, does that mean I'll face the same diagnosis one day? Not necessarily. While genetics can influence your risk for certain diseases, they don't determine your future. That's where genetic counseling and testing can help.

To find out more about the genetic services available through The Christ Hospital, I checked in with genetic counselor Alyssa Griswold about who can benefit from testing, what the process looks like and how the results can help guide future healthcare decisions.

Who Should Consider Genetic Counseling?

One common misconception is that genetic testing is only for people with a significant family history of disease. In reality, genetic counseling is available to everyone.

"Here at The Christ Hospital, we let anyone see a genetic counselor," Alyssa explained. "There are different time points in someone's life where genetic counseling can be most helpful, such as a personal or family history of cancer, a personal or family history of cardiac issues, or someone who has had multiple pregnancy losses or high-risk prenatal testing."

For individuals concerned about inherited cancer risk, genetic counselors often look for patterns such as:

• Three family members with breast or prostate cancer
• Three family members with endometrial or colon cancer
• A close family member diagnosed with pancreatic or ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer or another cancer diagnosed at age 50 or younger

These patterns don't guarantee a hereditary condition, but they may indicate that genetic testing could provide valuable information.

What Happens During Genetic Testing?

The process starts with a conversation.

During a genetic counseling appointment, patients review their personal health history, family medical history and current screenings with a counselor. The goal is to create a more complete picture of potential inherited risks while giving patients the opportunity to ask questions about their family history and genetic concerns.

"We review why people do genetic testing and what the results can tell us," Alyssa said. "The test itself is typically a blood draw that gets sent to a clinical genetic testing company to find any harmful changes in cancer genes."

Understanding Your Results

After testing is complete, patients review their results with their genetic counselor.

"If someone is positive, meaning they were found to have a harmful change that increases their chance for cancer, we help connect them to specialists to carry out the necessary screenings," Alyssa said.

Many patients are referred to The Christ Hospital's High Risk Cancer Screening Clinic, where advanced practice providers (APPs) help patients manage screening schedules and discuss additional strategies that may reduce cancer risk. Depending on the findings, patients may also be referred to other specialists for ongoing care and monitoring.

More Than Just Test Results

Genetic counseling goes beyond reviewing a DNA report.

"As a genetic counselor, I also provide emotional support for people with a new genetic diagnosis," Alyssa said. "In addition, I give families the chance to ask any questions about genetics and help overcome some of the common misconceptions about genetics or how traits move through families."

For many patients, that guidance can provide reassurance and clarity during what is often an emotional and uncertain process.

Anyone interested in genetic counseling for cancer, prenatal, preconception or cardiovascular genetics can schedule an appointment through The Christ Hospital's Precision Health Clinic by calling 513-585-3275.