Genetic Services
Cumulative Genetic Services at Carilion Clinic in Virginia
Genetic counseling can, in fact, assess a person’s risk of inheriting any number of diseases or conditions. Genetic counselors gather a patient’s family medical history and develop personalized risk assessments. They can also recommend options for managing a disease and inform patients about research studies that might help them.
Reasons to seek genetic counseling include having a family history of a genetic disorder, chromosome abnormalities such as Down syndrome, recurrent cancers, mental retardation, miscarriages or stillbirths, or birth defects.
In fact, people at high risk for developing cancer can benefit greatly from increased cancer genetic screening and cancer prevention options. High-risk cancer screening can begin at the age of 25 or earlier, depending on risk factors. Some patients can take medications or elect surgeries to stop cancer from ever starting.
As the field of genetics expands, so do the genetic counseling services offered at Carilion Clinic. Comprehensive genetic counseling services are available for children, adults, and prospective parents.
Currently, Carilion Clinic offers the following genetic counseling services:
