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As co-director of the hereditary cancer program with Lisa Ku, MS, CGC, Marie Wood, MD, aims to increase patient awareness surrounding the importance of genetic counseling and genetic testing relating to cancer.  By increasing access to genetic counseling and testing through partnerships with health care providers and institutions Dr. Wood believes the hereditary cancer program could become a valuable regional resource.  In thinking about how to get people connected with the hereditary cancer program it is important to consider potential barriers that extend beyond insurance.   "There are cultural barriers, communication barriers, barriers to contacting patients. We need to be working with our partners to ensure there is access for all" says Dr. Wood. Despite the barriers, Dr. Wood is optimistic about building access into areas that are underserved making genetic counseling and genetic testing an option for more people.

“Cancer genetics is one of my passions, the program here is really, really strong and has grown greatly since it was started. Genetic testing and genetic counseling are increasingly important not only for patients who do have cancer, but for people who don’t and want to make informed, evidence-based decisions about their cancer risk.”

While genetic counselors typically focus on the genetics of the person it is also worth considering the implications of tumor genetics in uncovering germline genetics that are in the DNA of every cell.  It is for this reason that Dr. Wood aims to be a mentor and facilitator for research by supporting ongoing clinical and lab work.  According to Dr. Wood successfully growing the hereditary cancer program "means uniting people who are doing the research, supporting grants and publications out of this program, and continuing to build what is already a really, really strong clinical program that offers important services to patients."