Benefis Healthcare Sletten Cancer Institute | Programs & Services : Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counseling

The Genetic Counseling Program at Sletten Cancer Institute is part of a comprehensive Cancer Risk Assessment and Prevention Program. Together, these programs can help to identify an individual's risk for cancer and offer a tailored plan for cancer risk reduction.

Sletten Cancer Institute currently employs the only full-time, on-staff genetic counselor in Montana.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cancer is hereditary?
What does genetic counseling for cancer involve?
Who can benefit from cancer genetic counseling?
What is the cost of genetic counseling?

How much cancer is hereditary?

One in three Americans will develop cancer in their lifetime. Many people have at least one relative with cancer. However, only 5 percent to 10 percent of cancer is hereditary, that is, caused by a faulty gene that is passed down through a family. When a person inherits a faulty cancer gene they have a high risk for developing cancer.

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What does genetic counseling for cancer involve?

A cancer genetic risk assessment includes discussion of:

Whether the cancer in your family is likely to be hereditary
The risks for individual family members to develop cancer
Whether genetic testing is likely to be helpful in your family
How genetic testing is performed and what the results could mean
Available options to reduce your risk for cancer and/or catch it early if you are at high risk

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Who can benefit from cancer genetic counseling?

This program is especially helpful for people who have a personal or family history that includes any of the following:

Multiple family members affected by the same, or related types of cancer
Cancer diagnosed at an earlier age than is usually seen (such as breast or colon cancer before age 50)
More than one type of cancer diagnosed in one person
Rare or unusual cancers
A relative who is diagnosed with a hereditary cancer syndrome

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What is the cost of genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling at Sletten Cancer Institute is free.

A family history of cancer does not always mean that your cancer risk is high. Genetic Counseling can help to clarify your cancer risk.

For additional information, or to make an appointment, please call Benefis Cancer Programs at 406.731.8200 or toll free at 866.466.6822.

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