Role of the Genetic Counsellor
A genetic counsellor is a medical professional with specialized training to help you understand the pros and cons of having a genetic test and explain what the changes in your DNA may mean for you and your family. A genetic counsellor will also discuss any fees that may be associated with genetic testing and the privacy and antidiscrimination laws that can protect you.
Who in the Family Should be the First to Test?
Jewels in Genetics
This YouTube video created by a board certified genetic counsellor explains what we are searching for when performing a genetic test, how it is you can have a parent with a cancerous biomarker but may not get it yourself. It also demonstrates an example of a hypothetical person’s family history to demonstrate the role of genetics and the impact of testing a certain family member vs another.
Introduction to Hereditary Cancer
Jewels in Genetics
The attached Youtube video made by a board certified genetic counsellor introduces the topic of hereditary cancers, the role of a genetic counsellor, how family history comes into play, insurance discrimination, and other related information.
Prostate Cancer Genetics Podcast
Prostate Cancer Genetics Podcast
Discusses genetic counselling, testing, and the impact of genetics in prostate cancer for patients and families. Includes special guest appearances such as physicians, genetic counsellors, patients and families. *U.S. source insurance and screening information will vary in other countries
Genetic Testing: Your Questions Answered
Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors
Helps familiarize patients with some key terms when it comes to genetics, including genes, hereditary cancers, genetic counsellors, genetic testing, as well as what this means for insurance.
Hereditary Cancer Patient Brochure
LifeLabs Genetics
This brochure covers information on accessing genetic testing for hereditary cancer, such as which cancer types are included in hereditary panel tests and who meets the criteria for genetic testing.
Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Cancer Risk
FORCE
This resource gives a detailed description of the role of a genetic counsellor, including what they do before and after genetic testing, as well as the main topics covered during appointments.
BRCA Gene Changes: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing Fact Sheet
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute has put together a page with ten key questions and answers about the implications of the BRCA gene/biomarker in cancer and genetic testing. *U.S. source insurance information will vary in other countries
BRCA Gene in Men: What it Means for Cancer Risk
City of Hope
This article covers the impact of the BRCA 1/2 biomarker in men; the types of cancer tied to this biomarker, when to consider getting tested for BRCA 1/2, how it gets passed down through families, the difference in cancer risk for BRCA 1 vs BRCA 2, etc. *U.S. source insurance information will vary in other countries
Genetic Testing Resources
Basser Centre for BRCA
Scroll down to see a chart outlining genes associated with various cancers and syndromes.
TARGET: A Genetic Education Webtool
BRCA Research & Cure Alliance
A self guided educational tool comprised of 9 modules to help make informed decisions about prostate cancer genetic testing.
*U.S. source insurance information will vary in other countries
Genetic Testing for Prostate Cancer
Healthwise Creative
This website includes information such as an overview and significance of genetic testing for prostate cancer, types and prevalence of mutations, types of genetic tests, understanding your test results, and frequently asked questions.