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Cancer risk & genetic counseling

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Genetic counseling can help identify your cancer risk

Understanding your family history could save your life. After all, your genes tell the story of your medical history. At Novant Health, genetic counseling and testing can show your risk for certain types of hereditary cancers and put you on the right prevention or treatment path.




Genetic counseling video visits are now available


If you’re an existing Novant Health patient with a MyChart account, now you can get help from our genetic counselors—even if you don’t live near one—through our online video visits. During your online appointment, If you learn that you're a candidate for genetic testing, we'll conveniently arrange for the tests and blood work to be done at your home.


What you’ll need


Any patient with a MyChart account and video capabilities on their laptop or mobile device can participate in a video visit.

To schedule your appointment at a greater Winston-Salem Novant Health Cancer Institute clinic, please call:

336-277-6000

To schedule your appointment at a greater Charlotte Novant Health Cancer Institute clinic, please call:

980-302-6270

 What genetic counseling can do for you

Our genetic counselors are part of our cancer risk team. They work with our clinics to establish individualized plans for high-risk patients to prevent cancer or catch it in its earliest stages. Genetic counselors can also determine if your medical or family history qualifies you for genetic testing and will help you understand what services are covered under your insurance plan.

 Is genetic counseling right for you?

You may be a candidate if several members of your family have been diagnosed with similar or certain types of hereditary cancers. However, it’s not uncommon to have many cancers in a family without any of them being hereditary. There may be other contributing behavioral or environmental factors. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor to better understand if genetic counseling is right for you.

 What are some types of hereditary cancers?

Scientists have recently discovered a number of genetic traits that may increase a person’s risk for acquiring certain kinds of cancers. Genetic testing can be a valuable tool in identifying your risk for:

  • Breast cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Endometrial cancer

Learn more about hereditary cancer risk factors

Regular screenings improve early detection of cancer

We also offer specialty prevention and early detection programs
    • Our lung nodule evaluation clinic identifies nodules that are discovered on CT scans and recommends follow-up based on clinical guidelines.
    • Our cardio-oncology program works with cancer patients to minimize the cardiovascular impact of a cancer diagnosis.

To learn more about cancer prevention and early detection, contact the Novant Health location nearest you.