Michelle Springer, MS,  a certified genetic counselor with the division of medical oncology explains that genetic counseling consists of more than genetic testing.  A well rounded assessment requires that genetic counselors look at each patient as in individual.  In order to do so, they must consider personal history and family history of cancer to determine whether cancer within a family can be attributed to an inherited mutation.

“What we know is that about 10% of all cancer is inherited, which means that the majority is not, and what we also know is that genetic testing is only one piece of the conversation. A lot of individuals may test negative, but based on their family history they may still qualify for increased screening and surveillance. So, it’s extremely important to understand that an individual’s cancer risk is really the result of multiple factors, including age, environment, family history, and also genetics" says Michelle.