Genetic Testing a Valuable Tool

Genetic Testing a Tool to Help At-Risk Patients

The Regional Cancer Center's Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program uses a team approach under the medical direction of noted oncologist Paul LeMarbre, M.D. to do a thorough assessment of your patient's genetic cancer risks and develop appropriate medical recommendations. Knowing your patient's cancer risk can help you manage their care so that they receive appropriate screenings, medications and other measures to keep healthy.

"Cancer genetics is a dynamic field," says Cancer Genetic Counselor Ann Schmidt, M.S., C.G.C. "We offer advanced genetic testing options as well as interpret results and make recommendations based on the latest proven research."

Services for patients

ProHealth Care's Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program provides:

  • A personalized, comprehensive evaluation and risk assessment
    Patients will meet with a board-certified genetic counselor who will review their medical and family history. The in-depth risk assessment will help them understand the chance that they will develop cancer and steps they can take to stay healthy.
  • Education
    During the genetic counseling session, patients will learn about the role of genes in the development of cancer.
  • Genetic testing
    A genetic counselor will help to determine whether genetic testing will be beneficial for patients and their families. If genetic testing is pursued, the genetic counselor and a physician will meet with the patient to discuss his/her results. They will help  develop a plan for managing the patient's cancer risk and staying healthy.

  • Medical Recommendations
    Medical recommendations are provided to the patient and the referring physician based on the outcome of the risk assessment. Patients learn whether or not interventions such as breast MRI or risk reduction through surgery or medication may be appropriate. Genetic counselors help patients make decisions that are right for them.

  • Family Support and Communication
    Genetic counselors help patients adjust to and take a proactive approach to cancer risk. They help the patient communicate complex information with at-risk family members and provide resources near their relatives' homes.

Patients who would benefit from genetic counseling

  • Patient who has already had cancer and is concerned about the risk of additional cancers for themself and other family members.
  • A close family member or several family members have had cancer and patient wants to determine if he/she is at risk.
  • Patient's family is known to have an inherited cancer syndrome.
  • Patient has another medical condition that may increase cancer risk, such as non-cancerous colon polyps.

Benefits for physicians

  • Referring physicians receive a dictation from every genetic counseling session with their patient.
  • Physicians receive detailed medical recommendations for their patient developed by the genetic counselors and medical director, Dr. LeMarbre.
  • Access to the latest genetic information and research studies patients can qualify for.

Our team

Paul LeMarbre, M.D. is the medical director of the Cancer Genetic Risk Program. Dr. LeMarbre is a medical oncologist in the Regional Cancer Center and has been working with our high-risk patients for more than 10 years.

Ann Schmidt, M.S. is a Cancer Genetic Counselor. She received her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Dayton and her master's degree in genetic counseling from Case Western Reserve University.

Kristin Sanden, M.S. is a Cancer Genetic Counselor. She received her bachelor's degree in biology and Spanish from Marquette University and her master's degree in human genetics from Sarah Lawrence College.

More information and referral

Genetic counselors are available to meet with physicians who are interested in learning more about the Cancer Genetic Risk Program.