Genetic Counselling Options

What is genetic counselling?

The goal of genetic counselling is to help people with a significant personal and/or family history of cancer, as well those with a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancer and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, to learn more about hereditary cancer and possibly access genetic testing.

Where can I receive genetic counselling?

In the province of British Columbia, genetic counselling is offered through the provincially-funded Hereditary Cancer Program. For people with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage who do not currently qualify for the Hereditary Cancer Program, there is also a free genetic counselling program offered via telephone by Sharsheret in the United States. There is also a new private pay genetic counselling clinic based in Quebec, available to Canadians. They offer fee-for-service genetic counselling and genetic testing assistance. The following information applies only to BC’s genetic counselling services.

What normally happens in a genetic counselling appointment through BC’s Hereditary Cancer Program?

A genetic counselling appointment usually includes:

  • Review of your “family tree”, especially any history of cancer

  • Information about genes & cancer

  • Information about how genes are passed down from parents to children

  • Review of differences between “sporadic” cancers (occur by chance), and “hereditary” cancers (may be linked to a specific gene)

  • Assessment of the chance of hereditary cancer in your family history, and the related cancer risks

  • Discussion about whether genetic testing to try to identify a specific “hereditary cancer gene mutation” is available for you and/or your family (a gene mutation is a change that prevents the gene from working properly)

  • Discussion about how to decide whether or not to have genetic testing, including the possible impact on family relationships and other risks, benefits, and limitations

  • Current recommendations for early detection (cancer screening) and/or prevention of cancers

How long will the appointment take?

45 minutes is booked for most appointments.

Can I bring family members to my appointment? If so, who should I invite?

Yes! You are welcome to include other adults with whom you feel comfortable. You may wish to invite your spouse or a supportive friend. You may wish to invite relatives who share similar concerns about cancer risk in your family.

If I choose to have genetic testing, how will the results be shared with me?

Results can be disclosed in-person, through TeleHealth (at your local hospital), or by telephone; whichever works best for you.

Other Genetic Counselling Options in Canada

In BC, genetic counselling is offered, free of charge, by BC Cancer to those who meet specific criteria. If you are currently ineligible for genetic counselling, it does not mean that you should not pursue it, if you are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Current testing practices in Canada for Ashkenazi Jewish people are not aligned with the best evidence or recommendations and are slowly changing. *By the end of the summer in 2023, all people with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry should be eligible for genetic counselling and testing through the Hereditary Cancer Program.

Genolife is a new Quebec-based private clinic offering clinical genetic services by telehealth across Canada. The genetic counsellors at Genolife have a long history of experience within the public Canadian medical system and are knowledgeable about the BC medical system.

According to Genolife, genetic counselling is at the heart of their approach. Their goal is to accompany patients and their healthcare providers at every step to integrate genetics into the management of their health.

The clinic offers genetic counselling services which includes (but not limited to):

  • risk assessment based on medical and family history

  • discussion of the medical aspects of a condition

  • discussion of options, relevance or not of genetic testing and its benefits, risks, and limitations

  • a summary letter

Current rates (as of writing) for genetic counselling by Genolife are $349 CAD. You can find their rates here.

In order to be able to offer the most appropriate test according to the person’s needs and situation, Genolife works with several clinical laboratories that are accredited to perform medical genetic analyses and that are recognized and used in the Canadian public system.

  • If genetic testing is pursued by the individual, a medical prescription is necessary

  • A saliva collection kit will be sent to your home

  • Results of testing are generally available within 2 to 4 weeks

  • Post-test genetic counselling and summary letter with recommendations is included in the fee for the test

Current rates (as of writing) for genetic testing facilitated by Genolife are $819 for hereditary cancer (any panels) and $589 for a known familial mutation. You can find their updated rates here. This cost includes access to a genetic counsellor to explain results of testing.

For additional information about this clinic, please visit: https://genolife.ca/en/cancer-genetic-testing/

They can be reached at info@genolife.ca or 1-844-440-5454 or https://genolife.ca/en/appointment/.

Template medical prescription

https://genolife.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Genolife_prescription_ENG.pdf

The information provided should not be misconstrued as medical advice nor an endorsement of the services provided by Genolife by BRCAinBC.