Genetic counseling
Genetic testing is not just an examination and a result.
To learn that you have a mutation that greatly increases the risk of having cancer will trigger personal and emotional issues. For this reason, genetic testing should always be accompanied with genetic counseling in the context of the family risk consultation.
Counseling is done at two points - before and after the genetic test - and aims to inform, so you can decide on the test but also on what to do in the future.
It is a different type of advice than that given by psychologists, because it is specific to the person at risk.
It covers:
- Understanding the genetic test
(its benefits, risks and limitations),compreender o teste genético - Interpretation of the test results and their implications
- Cancer risk,
- Impact on work,
- How to communicate the risk to family members,
- Confidentiality and health insurance.
Genetic testing is a personal decision, so be sure to be thoroughly informed and to discuss any questions you might have with your doctor before deciding what to do.
In conjunction with genetic counseling, you can also be accompanied by the psychology services. These can help you analyze the implications of the results in your family life; how to manage the future, how to communicate with your family - including your children - or how to deal with the feelings of anxiety and sadness that may arise.
