Genetic Counseling

The Cancer Genetic Counseling Program at The Cancer Centers of Cooperman Barnabas (formerly 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) 322-8601.

Who Can Benefit from this Program?

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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

How Can I Benefit From The Program?

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

How can This Program Benefit My Family And Physician?

  • 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.

What Is Genetic Testing For Cancer?

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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 Cooperman 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.

What Can I expect If I Participate In The Genetic Testing Program?

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.

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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 Cooperman Barnabas available to you, from psychosocial support and counseling to the superior medical resources available throughout RWJBarnabas Health.

How Can I Learn More About Cancer Genetic Counseling?

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call the genetic counselor at (973) 322-8601.