What is genetic counseling?
09.JAN.2023
Written by Anna Sanniti
Reviewed by Wendi Gill, CGC
Genetic counseling is an important step in your journey. It can help you understand how your genetic information might affect you or your family. [1]
Based on your family health history, genetic counselors can help understand your risk for developing a genetic condition. They will know if taking a genetic test might be right for you. If you already have results, a genetic counselor can help you understand these and your next steps.
In this article we will discuss:
What is a genetic counselor?
What are the reasons for visiting a genetic counselor?
What to expect when meeting with a genetic counselor
What is a genetic counselor?
Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals. They have specialized training and education in medical genetics and counseling psychology. Some counselors may have specialized areas of knowledge such as cardiology, cancer, or prenatal care. [2]
A genetic counselor can support patients looking for information about how inherited diseases and conditions might affect them or their families. [2] They can also:
Advise patients on genetic testing options.
Help patients understand their results or a diagnosis of a condition.
Support patients in adjusting to the medical and psychological aspects of the disease.
What are the reasons for visiting a genetic counselor?
You may want to pursue counseling for many different reasons [1,2], including:
To review a positive test result from a test and next steps.
A family member received a positive genetic test result.
Concerns about family history.
Learning how family history may impact your health.
Pregnancy planning.
A personal or family history of cancer diagnosed under the age of 50.
Caring for children who may start showing signs of a genetic condition.
Understanding and managing conditions such as Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, Lynch syndrome, and Familial hypercholesterolemia.
What to expect when meeting with a genetic counselor
During your appointment, you will be asked about your personal medical history, your family’s medical history, and any genetic test results you have. [3] To prepare for your appointment, you should:
Know your medical history.
Bring medical records with you.
Bring a list of your family member's medical history, with their age of diagnosis and/or age of death. This list should include your parents, siblings, and children. You may also be asked about extended family members on both sides of your family.
Bring any genetic test results from yourself or your family members with you.
The counselor will use the information that you report to provide guidance and highlight any recommended next steps.
Let’s recap
Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals who have specialized education and training in medical genetics and counseling psychology
Based on information about your family health history, genetic counselors can help you to understand your risk for developing a condition. They can help decide whether taking a genetic test might be right for you.
If you have positive results, a counselor can help you understand the results and the next steps you should take.
It is important to prepare for your appointment. They will ask you questions about your and your family’s medical history.
References
1. CDC. Genetic counseling. Online: cdc.gov
2. NIH. Understanding genetics: A New York, Mid-Atlantic guide for patients and health professionals. Chapter 5 Genetic counseling. Online: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3. Cancer.Net. What to expect when meeting with a genetic counselor. Online: cancer.net