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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
North Bay Cancer Risk Assessment Services is happy to answer all of your questions.
Below you will find answers to questions most frequently asked by our patients:
#1. Breast cancer runs in my family. What can I do to determine my risk of developing cancer?
#2. Why do I need counseling prior to having genetic testing?
#3. What information should I gather before my consultation?
#4. What is the cost of genetic counseling?
#5. Is genetic testing required if I have genetic counseling?
#6. Is genetic testing expensive? Will my insurance pay for genetic testing?
#7. Is there a risk to me if I use my insurance?
#8. How is the genetic test done? How long does it take?
Breast cancer runs in my
family. What can I do to determine my risk of developing cancer?
The first step in evaluating your risk of developing cancer is setting up a visit for cancer risk assessment. The visit starts with a review of your personal health history and the history of family cancer to evaluate whether you (or your family members) have an increased risk of developing cancer. The counselor will explain what factors contribute to your risk and will discuss the probabilities of inheriting a genetic mutation that could be the cause of cancer in your family. Importantly, the counselor will explain current recommendations for risk reduction and cancer screening including whether or not to consider genetic testing.
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Why do I need counseling prior to having genetic testing?
Prior to undergoing genetic testing, it is important to be informed of the benefits, limitations and risks of testing. Numerous medical organizations recommend that education and information be provided before testing so that a fully informed decision
can be made.
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What information should I gather before my consultation?
It is helpful to think about blood relatives (parents, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins) and what medical conditions they have had, at what age and if they are no longer alive, the cause of death. Try to find out the age at which cancer was diagnosed. It is also helpful to know your family's ethnic background (what countries your family comes from originally). You may want to contact a
relative who may be more knowledgeable about your family's history if you are unsure about some of the information.
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What is the cost of genetic counseling?
The fee for the initial consultation is $200. Cash and personal checks are accepted. If genetic testing is performed, most patients choose to bill their insurance. The fee for the test result consultation is $75.
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Is genetic testing required if I have genetic counseling?
No, the decision to undergo testing is a personal one and one that should be made only after counseling and after all questions have been answered.
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Is genetic testing expensive? Will my insurance pay for genetic testing?
The cost of a genetic test varies with the type of test ordered. The decision of which test to order is made by the counselor after collecting a patient's personal and family history. The great majority of insurers cover 70-100% of the cost of testing if the test is appropriate.
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Is there a risk to me if I
use my insurance?
Fears of loss of insurance because of
genetic testing are largely unfounded. Although California has had laws protecting residents with group medical insurance for some time, in 2009, a federal law takes effect that will extend protection to individuals with private insurance as well as those covered by group policies regardless of the state they live in.
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How is the genetic test done? How long does it take?
Generally, a small amount of blood is drawn and sent to a special laboratory. At the lab, DNA from the blood cells is used to perform the test which takes 2-3 weeks.
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Click here to download our HEALTH HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE.
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