No Title 2160
SMART HEALTH – Genetic counseling for cancer
SMART HEALTH – Genetic counseling for cancer
Counseling helps assess cancer risk to determine if testing is right for you
If you have a family history of cancer, genetic counseling can help you determine if you and your family are at increased risk for certain types of cancer. It can also help you obtain personalized recommendations for cancer detection and prevention, and help you decide whether genetic testing is right for you.
The goal of clinical genetic counseling is to provide understandable and medically important information about the risk factors in an atmosphere of support and education.
Patients can discuss their individual cancer risk assessment, recommendations, and referrals for cancer detection and prevention. Patients can also find out about clinical genetics research studies, as well as psychological counseling options for coping with hereditary cancer issues.
“Genetic counselors combine the science of genetics with the human side of counseling,” says Heather Pierce, director of the Clinical Genetic Counseling Program at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. “Certified genetic counselors are trained to address the medical and psychological aspects of the genetic counseling process.”
A genetic counseling consultation can help patients decide whether genetic testing is appropriate based on the risks, benefits, and limitations of the procedure.
Genetic testing involves the use of laboratory methods on a blood sample to obtain an estimate of your cancer risk. Genetic testing may help you and your physician make important decisions about your medical care.
Deciding whether or not to have genetic testing is a personal choice that can be made at the time of the counseling session or at a future date.
LET’S TALK
RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you think genetic counseling might be helpful, discuss it with your primary care physician. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the UK Markey Cancer Center’s Clinical Genetic Counseling Program at (866) 340-4488.
SESSION REVIEW
During the initial 1-1/2- to 2-hour session, the genetic counselor will address your questions and concerns about your risk for cancer and the possible risk for family members; ask about your medical history and your family history of cancer; and discuss important scientific and medical information in terms you can understand.
Keith Hautala provides health information for UK HealthCare.
With mortgage interest rates at historic lows, should I refinance?
The answer depends on a number of factors—more than just the rate.
Mortgage expert John Cole, senior loan executive with First Financial Mortgage in Louisville, says, “One factor is recapture—that is, how long will it take to regain in savings the amount you spent on closing costs?” If closing costs are $2,500 and you save an additional $50 per month on your mortgage, it will take you 50 months to reach your break-even point. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, a reduction of just a few points in your interest rate could end up saving you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
A loan officer can provide a comparison of your current versus proposed loan schedules. Ask, “How much will I save per month by refinancing? How much will I save over the life of the loan?”
Questions to ask yourself: “Can I afford to make extra payments toward my mortgage?” If so, it may be beneficial to make extra principal payments to reduce the loan balance. Also, “Will refinancing reduce risk by paying off risky products (such as adjustable mortgages or equity lines, which are adjusting), or eliminate PMI (private mortgage insurance)?”
Sara Peak is a freelance writer with expertise in finance and wealth management. Have a money question? E-mail us at e-mail@kentuckyliving.com.
