Cancer Genetic Testing Program
Our Cancer Genetics Program helps you and your family identify and understand your genetic risk for developing certain cancers.
Your genes are essential in determining who you are, from your eye and hair color to a medical condition you may develop. Our cancer genetics team helps evaluate your genetic risks for certain cancers to give you a chance to prevent the disease.
Our Approach to Cancer Genetic Counseling and Testing
While 90% of cancers develop due to lifestyle, environmental, or aging factors, 5 to 10% of cancers develop because of a hereditary (genetic) risk.
Some cancers are more likely to have a genetic cause than others. These cancers include breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, uterine, and prostate cancers. If you or a family member have been diagnosed with any of these or another type of cancer, you may be a candidate for genetic testing.
Humans have thousands of genes that each have unique jobs in our bodies. When a single gene is not functioning correctly, it can significantly increase the risk of developing specific types of cancers. Genetic testing checks for differences or “variations” in specific genes related to cancer that might explain a person’s cancer diagnosis.
Understanding whether your cancer has a hereditary cause may change your medical treatment, and will allow for your family to understand their risks and possibly access early cancer screenings.
What to Expect with Cancer Genetic Testing
Genetic counseling and testing are available to help clarify your risk through the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program. We make genetic counseling and testing easy for you, offering counseling through telehealth appointments with licensed genetic counselors.
If testing is needed, most often it can be completed at home with a home testing kid. Occasionally a blood test is required and that can be completed at our Moorestown and Voorhees locations.
Your personal cancer risk assessment
You’ll start by completing your personal cancer risk assessment with our cancer genetics team. This empowers you to make informed health decisions for yourself and your family.
As a participant, you will:
- Receive individualized and comprehensive counseling from licensed genetic counselors
- Discover if you have an increased cancer risk
- Learn about the benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic testing
- Undergo genetic testing, if appropriate
- Learn what you and your medical team can do to decrease your risk of developing cancer (screening, medical and/or surgical options)
If you decide that genetic testing is right for you, your genetic counselor will talk with you about your eligibility.
The Virtua Difference for Cancer Genetics
Flexible access to genetic counseling
You have easy and convenient access to genetic counseling appointments through telehealth. Next day, evening, and weekend appointments are available.
Flexible access to genetic counseling
You have easy and convenient access to genetic counseling appointments through telehealth. Next day, evening, and weekend appointments are available.
Advanced tumor screening at Virtua
Lynch syndrome screening is a test used at Virtua on all colorectal or endometrial cancers. When a Virtua surgeon removes a colorectal or endometrial cancerous tumor, the tissue is tested for characteristics indicating an increased risk for Lynch syndrome. If the tumor has those features, it’s noted in the patient’s pathology report. This alerts the physician to refer them to Virtua’s Cancer Genetics Program for genetic assessment and possible testing.
Advanced tumor screening at Virtua
Lynch syndrome screening is a test used at Virtua on all colorectal or endometrial cancers. When a Virtua surgeon removes a colorectal or endometrial cancerous tumor, the tissue is tested for characteristics indicating an increased risk for Lynch syndrome. If the tumor has those features, it’s noted in the patient’s pathology report. This alerts the physician to refer them to Virtua’s Cancer Genetics Program for genetic assessment and possible testing.
Care for the whole person
Cancer affects all aspects of your life. That’s why we take a big-picture approach to your care. At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, your care plan includes more than medical or surgical treatments. You also have access to cancer support services like counseling, pain management, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, and specialized care for your sexual well-being. This holistic approach led to our accreditation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
Care for the whole person
Cancer affects all aspects of your life. That’s why we take a big-picture approach to your care. At the Penn Medicine | Virtua Health Cancer Program, your care plan includes more than medical or surgical treatments. You also have access to cancer support services like counseling, pain management, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, and specialized care for your sexual well-being. This holistic approach led to our accreditation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
Cancer clinical trials
We’re constantly working to improve treatments through clinical trials. When you participate in a trial, you may have access to a promising new therapy before it’s widely available. We lead studies on immunotherapy drugs that attack the cancer cells in your body. And we investigate medications that target specific genetic mutations associated with several cancers.
Cancer clinical trials
We’re constantly working to improve treatments through clinical trials. When you participate in a trial, you may have access to a promising new therapy before it’s widely available. We lead studies on immunotherapy drugs that attack the cancer cells in your body. And we investigate medications that target specific genetic mutations associated with several cancers.
Schedule an Appointment
If you or a family member have been diagnosed with colon, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, or uterine cancer, schedule a telehealth cancer genetic counseling appointment to learn more about your risk.
Cancer Genetic Testing and Counseling Quick links
How can we help you?
Schedule an appointment
Virtua offers genetic counseling through flexible telehealth appointments with licensed genetic counselors.
Does cancer run in your family?
If you or your family members have been diagnosed with colon, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, or uterine cancer, you could be at increased risk for developing these cancers. Complete this questionnaire to identify factors that could increase your risk.