Methodist’s Hereditary Cancer Risk Program empowers patients through genetic counseling and testing

Morgan Tooley, APRN, is a nurse practitioner at the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center Breast Care Center.

Seemingly everyone has been touched by cancer sometime in their life – whether it’s a loved one’s diagnosis or their own.

Methodist’s Hereditary Cancer Risk Program provides valuable tools that can help identify opportunities for early prevention and detection, guide treatment, and provide information about a person’s risk for cancer.

Since my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, I’ve been passionate about cancer prevention, education and care. In my role, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful genetic counseling and testing can be for patients and their families.

How does the Hereditary Cancer Risk Program work?

With locations in Omaha, Fremont and Council Bluffs, the program aims to identify people who may have an inherited risk for cancer, then connect them with genetic testing options. We offer genetic counseling and testing services.

Genetic counseling is the process of reviewing personal and family medical history, educating people about genetic conditions, and discussing the benefits and limitations of genetic testing. It also involves supporting informed decision-making, interpreting genetic test results and developing an individualized plan for care and management based on those results.

Through hereditary cancer genetic testing, we can identify inherited mutations that increase a person’s risk of developing certain cancers. The most common risks we identify involve breast, ovarian, pancreatic and colorectal cancers. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with increased risks for breast, ovarian, prostate, melanoma and pancreatic cancers. Other genes, such as Lynch syndrome-related genes, are associated with increased risks for colorectal, endometrial and several other cancers. 

Who should consider genetic testing?

Someone should consider testing if they have a personal history of cancer – especially breast cancer diagnosed at a young age – or rare cancers such as ovarian, pancreatic or male breast cancer. People with multiple family members diagnosed with cancer, particularly on the same side of the family, may also benefit from testing.

How do I get started?

Patients are typically referred for genetic counseling by their oncology care team, primary care provider or OB/GYN, but self-referrals are also accepted.

Genetic testing typically begins with a pretest counseling appointment, where the provider reviews the patient's personal and family medical history. Patients should come with as much information as possible about cancer in their family.

After discussing the benefits and limitations of testing, a sample is collected through a blood draw or saliva sample. Testing is generally billed through insurance; many plans cover it for eligible patients. Many genetic testing companies also offer self-pay with a retail cost of around $250.

Results typically take one to two weeks to come back. A provider will review and explain the results and discuss any recommended next steps for screening, prevention or treatment.

What if test results are positive for a mutation?

Our compassionate, supportive team is prepared to guide patients through their next steps, including referrals to specialized clinics at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center that provide personalized screening recommendations, preventive options and ongoing care based on individual cancer risks. 

What are some other important takeaways about these services?

About 5% to 10% of people undergoing genetic testing are found to have an inherited cancer-related gene mutation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will develop cancer. Having this information can help them take preventive steps to reduce their risk and make informed decisions.

Likewise, a negative result doesn’t mean there’s no risk, as many cancers can develop for reasons unrelated to inherited genetic mutations. Depending on a person’s personal and family history, they may still qualify for enhanced screening based on risk assessment models such as the Tyrer-Cuzick model for breast cancer risk.

Knowledge is power! If you have concerns about your genetic risk for cancer, contact us. You can't take steps to manage a cancer risk you don't know exists.

To learn more about Methodist’s Hereditary Cancer Risk Program, visit bestcare.org/specialties/hereditary-cancer-risk-program.