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The Cancer Genetic Counseling Program at The Cancer Centers of
Saint Barnabas provides genetic counseling and testing for people
with a personal or family history of cancer. Although the majority
of cancers occur by chance, in some families the tendency to develop
cancer is hereditary. The Cancer Genetic Counseling Program provides
an assessment of inherited cancer risks, detailed education about
cancer prevention and detection, and the opportunity for genetic
testing when appropriate.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please
call the genetic counselor at (973) 322-2822.
 The
Cancer Genetic Counseling Program is a resource if you have concerns
about your risk of developing cancer. You can benefit from this
program if you have:
- Several relatives with one type of cancer including breast,
ovarian, skin, colon, prostate, thyroid or uterine
- Multiple relatives with various types of cancer
- Several relatives with cancer at a younger age than expected
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This service can help you with options and counseling regarding
your cancer risk. The goal of the program is to help you:
- Learn more about your own cancer risk and that of your family
members
- Learn what options are available to help to reduce your risk
of developing cancer
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- The information gained during your personal risk assessment
will help your doctors develop a personalized detection and treatment
plan
- Family members who may be at an increased risk of developing
cancer will now have more information available to them.
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 Genetic testing involves looking at a person's genetic material
(DNA) for changes associated with an increased risk of certain
cancers. This testing may reveal whether the cancer risk in a family
is passed through their genes (inherited).
The Cancer Genetic Counseling Program at the Saint Barnabas Cancer
Center can coordinate testing for individuals with a strong personal
or family history of cancer. All that is required is a small sample
of your blood, preceded by a consultation with our genetic counselor.
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Typically you will meet with a genetic counselor for 90 minutes.
A detailed medical, lifestyle and family history will be obtained
to determine your personal cancer risk assessment. Options
for prevention, early detection and genetic testing will be discussed.
If you choose to pursue cancer genetic testing, a blood sample
will be taken either at the first session or at a later date, depending
upon several different factors that the genetic counselor will
explain. The results will be shared with you in person once they
are available. Your results will be used to develop options for
cancer screenings and prevention plans appropriate for your risk
and will be kept confidential.
After the testing, many people learn that their chances for developing
cancer are not increased and this is reassuring.
If it is determined that you have an increased chance to develop
cancer, you will have the full resources of Saint Barnabas available
to you, from psychosocial support and counseling to the superior
medical resources available throughout the Saint Barnabas Health
Care System.
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Janice Berliner is a board certified genetic counselor with 20
years of experience. Trained at the University of Michigan
Genetic Counseling Training Program, Janice has a Masters of Science
degree in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling. She sees
clients in the Cancer Center for cancer risk assessment and genetic
counseling, provides psychosocial support, information regarding
genetic testing, community outreach and education for both the
public and the medical community.
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For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please
call the genetic counselor at (973) 322-2822.
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