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Empowering at-risk people with knowledge and options: genetic counselling in the spotlight

2 min read 14 November 2024

Anyone with a history of cancer in their family knows it can be a serious source of worry. 

This is where Peter Mac’s skilled and compassionate genetic counsellors step in. They help people at a high genetic risk of cancer understand and respond to their individual and familial cancer risk.

Genetic Counsellors 2024

Genetics is playing an increasingly important role in cancer prevention and treatment. Genetic counsellors support people with a family history of cancer, or whose genetics might affect their cancer treatment.

Based at Peter Mac, the Parkville Familial Cancer Centre’s 30 genetic counsellors have seen referrals double in the past five years. Last financial year they facilitated more than 5,000 genetic tests.

Each person’s interaction with genetic counselling is unique. Some people are referred by an external doctor, while others are already Peter Mac patients.

Referrals are assessed to determine whether genetic testing is needed before counsellors contact patients to explain the testing and support process.

Genetic counsellors generally see a patient multiple times. First, they explain what genetic tests look for in a pretesting appointment and then outline what the findings might mean for people and their families at a results appointment.

Once testing is conducted in Peter Mac’s molecular genomics lab, counsellors share and carefully explain the results.

“There are often lots of concerns that go beyond the individual. Things we get asked include what does this mean for my family going forward? Are my kids safe? That kind of thing,” explains genetic counsellor Aisha Ward.

Coming to terms with an increased risk of cancer for yourself or your family can be difficult. Genetic counsellors are trained to provide comprehensive psychosocial support and education.

Responses to genetic or familial cancer risk can involve having active screening more regularly, or at a younger age. Prevention strategies can also involve medication, or surgery in more serious cases.

For our teams, supporting people to make informed decisions is enormously rewarding.

Aisha says the satisfaction is in, “unlocking the key to something that's been happening in a family, often for generations, giving them that answer and supporting them.”

Asked where the field is headed, fellow counsellor Catherine Beard says she hopes for, “more awareness of our role and how we work.”

“Genetics is an area that's advancing really quickly, there are aspects that can be incorporated into mainstream care really effectively.”

Genetic counselling and testing may be recommended for people who have had certain cancers or particular patterns of cancer in their family. 

If you are concerned about a cancer you may have had or cancer in your family, you may want to talk to your GP about it. They can help to determine whether you may benefit from a referral to your closest familial cancer centre.

November 14 is Genetic Counsellors Awareness Day