Genetic Risk Assessment, Counseling, and Testing

The Rasmussen family, patients at MedStar Franklin Square, wait to be genetically tested for breast cancer. 

Genetic risk assessment, counseling and testing are for persons concerned about the possibility of developing an "inherited" cancer. Family members can pass inherited cancer gene mutations from generation to generation. Inherited gene mutations can increase your risk of developing breast, ovarian, uterine, colorectal, melanoma, pancreatic or prostate cancers.

How do I learn about my inherited cancer risk and what can I do about it?

Our certified genetic counselor specializes in genetically inherited cancers. She will meet with you to assess your inherited cancer risk. During your initial two-hour assessment,

• A family medical history will be taken
• The role of inherited gene mutations will be explained
• The likelihood that cancer-causing genes may have been (or may be) inherited by members of your family will be estimated
• Your likelihood of developing cancer (at some time in your life) will be estimated
• Ways to diagnose cancer at an early stage will be discussed
• Opportunities to lower your risk of cancer will be discussed

From that meeting, some clients may pursue further genetic counseling where psychological and financial concerns are explored before deciding whether or not to pursue genetic testing. The testing itself requires only that a small sample of blood be drawn and sent to a genetics laboratory for analysis.

If you are identified as high-risk, we recommend increased screenings and suggest you discuss other risk-reducing options with your physician.

Who should seek genetic counseling and possible testing?

Patients who have strong family histories of cancer, especially a diagnosis of cancer at an early age, or who are in treatment for breast or ovarian cancer - or who are breast or ovarian cancer survivors - should seriously consider genetic testing.

If you test positive for a cancer gene mutation, this information is of vital importance to all your blood relatives: sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, children, grandchildren and other family members. Each family member has a 50:50 chance of having inherited the mutated gene.

Today, there is opportunity to practice good cancer prevention. Medical and surgical preventions are available as well as lifestyle changes and cancer screening. If your family members know that they are at increased risk of developing cancer, they can actually take action to protect themselves.

A personal choice

We recognize that genetic testing is a very personal choice. While the test itself usually involves no more than providing a blood sample, test results can be far-reaching. Our cancer risk assessment and counseling program is designed to answer your questions about:

• Risk assessment procedures
• DNA testing
• Benefits and limitations
• Psychological effect
• Family issues
• Insurance and privacy issues
• Employment issues
• Cancer education
• Cancer risk reduction
• Medical options
• Physician referrals

Emily Kuchinsky, MS, CGC, Certified Genetic Counselor

To contact Ms. Kuchinsky, please call 443-777-7656.

Emily Kuchinsky, MS, CGC, is a certified genetic counselor and coordinator of the cancer risk assessment and counseling program for the MedStar Health Cancer Network. Ms. Kuchinsky has been consulting with patients and their families regarding genetic health concerns for more than 10 years. She conducts cancer risk assessment for patients and families with a personal and/or family history of cancer as well as genetic testing if the likelihood of a cancer genetic syndrome is high.

Ms. Kuchinsky is an integral part of the oncology services offered through the MedStar Health Cancer Network, participating in multiple tumor boards per week and providing input as to which patients should undergo a cancer risk assessment. She also conducts community outreach to educate consumers, as well as other healthcare providers, about cancer genetics.  Certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, Ms. Kuchinsky holds a master’s degree from the University of Arizona in genetic counseling. Her services are available at all Baltimore MedStar Health hospitals.

 Emily will be seeing patients at the MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus, opening spring 2016. 

Listen to Emily Kuchinsky, MS, certified genetic counselor with the MedStar Health Cancer Network, and our MedStar Franklin Square breast surgeons to find out if you are a good candidate for genetic testing: