Cancer Genetic Testing, Screening and Counseling Services

The Rush Approach to Genetic Testing for Cancer

Hereditary predisposition to cancer accounts for approximately 5 to 10% of all cancers. And as our understanding of genetics and cancer expands, so do opportunities for genetic testing.

At Rush, our highly trained genetic counselors and physicians will educate you about hereditary predisposition to cancer and the option of genetic testing for conditions that are related to colon cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia, brain tumors, thyroid cancer and other cancers.

We'll start by discussing your personal and family history. We'll then use that information to help determine if genetic testing is appropriate for you and which test is most appropriate. We will provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for yourself, including discussing the benefits, risks and limitations of testing.

If you decide to undergo testing, we will order the tests and review results with you — guiding you through every step to help you make informed decisions about your care while minimizing any potential expenses. We also are available to meet with your family to discuss genetic counseling and testing.

Rush Excellence in Genetic Testing and Screening Services for Cancer

• Find out if genetic testing is right for you: Our team will work with you to determine if you should get tested — and which tests are right for you. You may want to consider cancer genetic testing if you have any of the following:
  • More than one immediate family member (parents, siblings or children) who has experienced cancer, especially the same type of cancer
  • Relatives with breast, pancreatic or ovarian cancer or another type of cancer linked to one gene mutation
  • Family members with a genetic mutation identified by genetic testing
  • Relatives who developed cancer at an unusually young age
  • Symptoms, such as colon polyps, that are linked to inherited cancers
• Experts in genetic counseling: Our highly trained genetic counselors are experts in medical genetics and genetic testing. They walk you through the complexities of hereditary predisposition to cancer. You will meet with them before and after testing, so you fully understand the implications of testing, what the findings mean for you and your family, and what screening and management options you may want to consider.
• Leading-edge testing capabilities: Rush’s genetic experts keep pace with the fast-moving advances of genetic testing to bring you the most useful and current information possible. We give you the knowledge you need to help you make informed decisions about treatment and prevention strategies.
• Next-generation DNA sequencing: We use next generation DNA sequencing for the majority of genetic testing we perform. And we conduct genetic counseling and confirmatory testing for results of tumor DNA sequencing.
• Emotional and psychosocial support: Genetic testing can be stressful and emotional for many people. Our specially trained counselors are dedicated to supporting and guiding you through this process with compassion, patience and understanding. They can also help guide you to psychosocial support available through the supportive oncology program at Rush or support groups for people who have a hereditary predisposition to cancer.
• Access to innovative treatments: Our team works closely with medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists and researchers to bring you the latest advances in early detection, immunotherapy and surgery. Our cancer clinical trials offer opportunities to access novel treatments before they are widely available.