Cancer genetics program
Cancer and genetics
Most cancers occur sporadically, meaning they are thought to be related to chance, aging, or environmental factors. However, approximately 5-10% of all cancers are hereditary, meaning that they are caused by an inherited gene mutation that can run in a family.
For example, mutations (or typos) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes cause an increased risk for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers and can be passed down from either side of a family. There are many other hereditary cancer genes for which testing is now available, including CHEK2, ATM, PALB2, Lynch syndrome, and others.
Not everyone who has a personal or family history of cancer needs to have genetic testing. However, if a family has certain risk factors for an inherited cause of cancer, genetic testing should be considered. Genetic testing is helpful in identifying individuals and families who are at increased risk for cancer and can help them make a personalized plan for cancer treatment, screening, and prevention.
In general, genetic counseling and risk assessment should be considered if someone has a personal or family history of any of the following:
- Multiple close family members with cancer, especially the same type of cancer
- Cancer at a young age (i.e., 50-65 or younger)
- Cancers that have a stronger genetic risk (such as pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, aggressive prostate cancer, male breast cancer, or triple-negative breast cancer)
- Multiple separate cancers in the same person
- A finding that is linked to hereditary cancer risk (such as many colon polyps)
- Eastern European Jewish (Ashkenazi Jewish) ancestry
- A known gene mutation in the family (in one or more family members who had genetic testing)
Genetics is a quickly evolving field. Even if you or a family member had genetic testing in the past, you may now consider more comprehensive testing.
Piedmont cancer genetics program
We offer genetic counseling for individuals and families related to possible inherited cancer risk. Piedmont’s genetics team has specialized training in genetics and interpretation of genetic test results. During your genetic consult, the genetic counselor will review your family history of cancer, provide risk assessment, discuss genetic testing options, and help you decide if testing is right for you and your family. Not everyone who has genetic counseling decides to have genetic testing. If you do proceed with genetic testing, your genetics provider will help interpret your test results and discuss next steps for you and your family members.
Genetic testing and risk assessment can lead to proactive changes to your medical management, such as increased screening or consideration of risk-reducing options. Sometimes, genetic test results can help you and your doctors determine what treatment plans to pursue or may provide reassurance about cancer risk in the family. For more answers to frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page.
Refer a patient
Providers can refer a patient to Piedmont’s Cancer Genetics Program by either of the following:
- Providers who use Piedmont’s Epic: Place an Ambulatory Referral to Cancer Genetic Counselors within Epic.
- Providers who do not use Piedmont’s Epic: Download, complete, and fax in the referral form below.
- NOTE: The following are required and will result in delays if not included on referral form: Physician name (APPs must note supervising physician), Provider signature, and ICD10 code.
Contact a genetic counselor
We offer genetic counseling for inherited risk for patients across Georgia and the Piedmont system. If you have a personal or family history of cancer, ask your doctor or contact our genetics team to find out if genetic testing is right for you or a family member. You can call 404.425.7300 (metro Atlanta, Columbus, Athens, and north Georgia regions), 478.464.1646 (Macon area) or 706.774.4173 (Augusta area).
Genetic counselors
Vanessa Crasto, MMSc, CGC
Mary Dugan, MS, CGC
Amanda Eppolito, MS, CGC
Kafi Hamler, MMSc
Brittany Hird, MMSc, CGC
Sunaina Kapur, MMSc, CGC
Lani Kesterson, MS, CGC
Molly Klein, MS, CGC
Faith Loggins-Harris, MS
Olivia Lopez, MS, CGC
Emily Martin, MS, CGC
Anum Siddiqui, MS, CGC
Gillian Thornton, MMSc, CGC
Sarah Wiser, MS, CGC
High-risk programs
Piedmont also offers genetic counseling services within our dedicated high-risk programs. For more information:
- High Risk Breast Clinic
- Early Detection Pancreatic Cancer Clinic
Genetics and specific cancers
Genetic counseling news
- Piedmont's Genetic Counseling Program helps Georgia family diagnose and treat breast cancer in early stages
- There's another gene mutation that increases risk of developing breast cancer | 11alive.com
Additional genetic counseling resources
Schedule an appointment
