The Important Role Genetic Counselors Play in Genetic Testing

Cancer Care Connections

On this week’s episode of Cancer Care Connections, Cheryl Tan discusses with Tifany Lewis, the important role genetic counselors play in the genetic testing process. They also discuss how genetic testing in the oncology setting provides personalized testing based on medical and family history vs the one-size-fits-all approach you get with the direct-to-consumer tests ordered online.

Tifany Lewis, CGC is a genetic counselor with over 17 years of experience in cancer genetics. Tifany obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia before completing her Master's Degree in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York. She is board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Tifany currently leads the Genetic Counseling/Hereditary Cancer program at Virginia Oncology Associates. She is an expert in cancer genetics and genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. The work she performs is instrumental in navigating patients through treatment by providing knowledge and understanding of patients’ complex family histories and their risk for cancer.

Topics
What is genetic testing? [3:25]
The role of a genetic counselor in an oncology setting [5:19]
Who is eligible for genetic testing? [6:55]
Where do genetic counselors fit into the genetic testing process? [7:44]
Is genetic counseling offered everywhere you get genetic testing? [8:59]
Genetic testing process [10:05]
Is cancer a genetic disease? [11:02]
Sporadic cancer vs. hereditary cancer [11:40]
What are some red flags for hereditary cancer? [13:16]
Benefits of the information you get from genetic testing [16:01]
Downsides of having testing done [16:51]
Difference between genetic testing in an oncology setting vs. direct-to-consumer testing [17:49]
Where can you find more information about genetic counseling? [21:09]
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Resources mentioned in this podcast
(National Society of Genetic Counselors) www.nsgc.com
(Genetic Program at Virginia Oncology Associates) www.virginiacancer.com/genetic-testing/

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Cancer Care Connections is the official podcast of Virginia Oncology Associates. For more information, visit us at VirginiaCancer.com. or find us on Facebook or Instagram at Virginia Oncology Associates.