Hoag Hereditary Cancer Program FAQ

What about cost and my insurance?
Many insurance companies will cover all or part of the cost of these services. Because each plan is different, we recommend that you check with your insurance company for specifics. Our insurance reimbursement specialist may also be able to assist you.

What if I’ve already had cancer?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you have probably wondered why this happened. Hereditary cancer assessment may help you to finally get the answer to this question, and the answer may provide both you and your family with important information.

A person who has cancer, or who has had cancer, does not want it to happen again. People with an inherited predisposition to cancer are often at risk of getting cancer a second time. If this is the case for you, then this knowledge can help you can take proactive steps to dramatically lower the chance of getting cancer again.

Also, if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your family is concerned about you … and they’re probably also worried about their own chance of getting cancer. Hereditary cancer assessment can help to clarify their cancer risks and what steps they should be taking.

How can I prepare for my appointment?
The best way to prepare for a hereditary cancer risk assessment is to thoroughly complete the Family History Form. Prior to completing this form, it’s important to call your relatives and find out your family’s history of cancer. It is not uncommon for family members to have had cancer, but not discuss it.

If possible, obtain medical records (e.g. pathology reports), as many people confuse ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers, and each have different associations with regard to hereditary cancer. Age at diagnosis is also very important.

We recognize that it is not always possible to obtain complete information, however risk assessment is still a valuable experience.

What will happen to my insurance if I have genetic counseling or testing?
Test results are never supplied by our program or by the testing laboratory to your insurance carrier. In May of 2008, a federal law called the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) was passed. This law prohibits health insurance companies and employers from discriminating against individuals based on their genetic information in the absence of disease. For more information about GINA, please click here.