Genetic counseling for cancer risk
If cancer runs in your family, genetic counseling can help you better understand your risk and make informed decisions about screening, prevention, and genetic testing.
Know your risk. Plan with confidence.
Hereditary cancer risk assessment and support
Our cancer genetics team provides expert guidance to help you understand inherited cancer risk, determine whether genetic testing may be right for you, and make confident decisions about screening, prevention, and future care. From family history evaluation to personalized risk-reduction planning, we're here to help you take the next step with confidence.
- Hereditary cancer risk assessment. Review of your personal and family history to identify cancer patterns that may signal inherited risk.
- Genetic testing for cancer risk. Expert-guided testing for BRCA1/BRCA2, Lynch syndrome, and other hereditary cancer genes.
- Genetic counseling for test results. Clear explanations of what your results mean and how they affect your screening and prevention plan.
- High-risk cancer prevention planning. Collaboration with Intermountain’s High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic to develop a tailored risk‑reduction plan.
- Family history evaluation. Support gathering and interpreting family medical histories across generations.
- Care coordination across the Mountain West. Seamless connection to specialists and cancer centers throughout Intermountain Health’s regional network.
Cancer genetic counseling: your questions answered
Learn how genetic counseling works, what to expect, and how to prepare for your appointment.
Genetic counseling may be helpful if you have concerns about your personal or family history of cancer. A genetic counselor can help determine whether inherited genetic factors may increase your cancer risk and whether genetic testing may be appropriate.
You may benefit from genetic counseling if you:
- Have multiple relatives with the same or related types of cancer
- Have a family history of breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, or prostate cancer
- Were diagnosed with cancer at a younger age than expected
- Have had more than one cancer diagnosis
- Have a known hereditary cancer gene mutation in your family
- Want to better understand your inherited cancer risk and screening options
Even if you're unsure whether genetic testing is right for you, a genetic counselor can review your personal and family history, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about next steps.
Some cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations that can be passed from one generation to the next. A genetic counselor can help determine whether your family history suggests an inherited cancer risk.
Certain breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, endometrial, and melanoma cancers may be linked to inherited genetic mutations.
High-Risk Cancer Prevention
High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic providers work in partnership with genetic counselors to help you understand your cancer risk and develop a personalized plan for surveillance and risk reduction. Whether the risk comes from your family history or other factors, we tailor a plan to help you lower it.