UAB Clinical Cancer Genetics

Although most cancers cannot be predicted by genetics, at least 5-10% occur because someone was born with a harmful difference (pathogenic variant, or mutation), in a gene that put them at a higher risk of developing cancer. The UAB Clinical Cancer Genetics team provides clear and clinically relevant information to help you understand whether there may be a hereditary risk of cancer in your family, and if genetic testing may be helpful to further clarify these risks.

Why would you consider genetic counseling with us? Our cancer genetic counselors are specially trained in both cancer genetics and counseling. They evaluate your medical and family history to determine if you have hereditary predisposition to develop cancer. This evaluation can serve multiple purposes:

• Aid in providing customized cancer treatments
• Help you take steps to reduce your risk of future cancers
• Identify cancers at an early and more treatable stage

A genetic counseling appointment could be helpful for you and your family in the following situations, but not limited to:

• Cancer occurring at an early age
• Diagnosis of multiple cancers in an individual
• Diagnosis of bilateral cancer (cancer that occurs in both sides of an organ pair)
• Similar cancers occurring among your close relatives.
• Cancers occurring across multiple generations in your family.
• Diagnosis of rare cancers or tumors
• Family history of a known pathogenic variant, or harmful difference, in a gene indicating a hereditary risk for cancer

What is a Genetic Counseling Appointment?

Appointments consist of an in-depth conversation with a cancer genetic counselor who will:

• Evaluate your personal and family medical history to assess your risk of cancer occurrence
• Help you understand any hereditary risk of cancer suggested by your personal and family medical history (including known predisposition syndromes)
• Educate you regarding genetic testing options and risk management
• Help you make informed decisions about genetic testing

To learn more about genetic counseling, visit http://www.nsgc.org.

Make an Appointment or Referral

To make an appointment or referral, call 205-934-4983. Referrals may also be faxed to 205-975-6389. Telehealth appointments are available.

Genetic Mutation Services

For patients with known genetic mutations, UAB has partnered with Connect My Variant to help identify and inform at-risk family members who may meet genetic testing criteria. This process, known as cascade testing, allows us to identify mutations early and offer appropriate screening and preventative services. Cascade testing allows us to reduce the incidence, morbidity, and mortality for many cancers. Through this service, patients can also connect with others who have similar genetic mutations, if interested. Click here to learn more >>

Care Providers