Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancers

HOA's Cancer Genetic Testing & Counseling program makes it possible for you and your family members to better understand your risk of developing cancer caused by an inherited genetic change. A simple blood test can provide these answers.

Why choose genetic testing for inherited cancers?

If you do not currently have cancer, the goal is to prevent cancer from developing or to identify cancer at an earlier stage to improve the outcomes. Based on your results, our specialists will make recommendations to lower your risk of developing cancer. This can include lifestyle adjustments as well as increased screening or access to testing that may not be available to those at average risk. 

If you are currently being treated for cancer, your genetic test results can help your family members better understand their risk for developing cancer. Your oncologist will also use your test results to determine your treatment path and identify other types of cancer you may be at a higher risk of developing. 

How to get cancer genetic testing in Central New York

Unlike our other services, you do NOT need a referral. Begin by completing our five-minute, confidential survey. The results of this quiz will help you determine if testing may be right for you. For most patients, testing requires only a blood sample covered by insurance. Our genetics counselors are available at the East Syracuse and Camillus locations, where you can have blood drawn and schedule a time to meet and discuss the results, which are typically available in 3-4 weeks. 

Call to schedule an appointment and verify your insurance coverage for genetic testing: 315.472.7504, then press #2.

 

What are hereditary cancers?

Many cancers are known to be caused by changes (mutations) in our genes, which are the blueprint for our cells. Some changes cause the gene’s product to not function correctly and increase the likelihood that the cell will become cancerous.

About 13% of the time, individuals are born with an identifiable mutation that caused their cancer to develop. Other times the hereditary link is not known or the cancer developed sporadically, meaning there is no inherited trait related to the cancer diagnosis.

 

Who should receive cancer genetics testing & counseling?

Take our free and confidential survey to find out!

Hereditary Cancer Genetics Testing is typically recommended for individuals who:

  • Were diagnosed with cancer at a young age (younger than 50)
  • Have had more than one type of cancer
  • Have a rare cancer
  • Have a family member with a known gene mutation
  • Have a family with multiple cases of related cancers (see below)

 

• Breast                                              • Colorectal                            • Bladder

• Ovarian                                            • Pancreatic                            • Renal/Kidney

• Uterine/Endometrial                         • Stomach                              • Ureter

• Prostate                                           • Brain or Central                    • Nervous System

• Melanoma                                        • Sebaceous Adenoma            • Small Bowel                         

 

How is this cancer genetics testing different than direct-to-consumer genetics tests?

Direct-to-consumer tests are not reliable for determining cancer risks and must be verified by clinical testing. Direct-to-consumer tests look for a few “hot spots” rather than sequence the DNA, thus they are nowhere near as comprehensive.

The HOA Cancer Genetics Program offers precise and comprehensive information you can trust and share with your medical providers. Unlike an anonymous testing company, HOA Cancer Genetics Specialists can directly answer all your questions and offer medical care if cancer-risk management is needed.

 

Will cancer genetics testing affect my health, life, or disability insurance?

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) protects patients from discrimination in health insurance coverage and employment based on genetic information. Life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care (nursing home) insurance companies however can deny coverage and/or charge a higher premium on policies obtained after positive results are known. Any standing policies are protected. More information is available at ginahelp.org.

What happens after I receive my results?

If a greater than average risk of cancer is found, there are several things you and your healthcare team can do to manage that risk:

  • Receive frequent monitoring to help detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage and improve survival
  • Follow preventive strategies, including risk-reducing medications or surgeries
  • Make better-informed decisions about treatment options
  • Provide information for your relatives to learn more about inherited risk and how it may affect them

What would a genetic mutation mean for me and my family?

Having a genetic mutation does not mean an individual will develop cancer, rather they are at an elevated risk of developing one or more cancers in their lifetime. Our knowledgeable genetic counselors can help you and your family better understand your risks and make recommendations to more appropriately manage your healthcare.

If you are found to have a genetic mutation, your children, parents, and siblings each have a 50% chance of sharing the same mutation, and so it is important that you discuss this with your family. We can help you plan that conversation, as well as provide testing for your adult family members if desired.

Is cancer genetics testing expensive?

Hereditary cancer genetics testing has become much more affordable over the years. In fact, more than 90% of our patients pay $0 for genetic testing because it is covered by their insurance.

You can always choose to pay for Cancer Genetics Counseling & Testing privately. Testing fees have been significantly reduced over the last several years, with a maximum out-of-pocket cost from a reputable lab of $250. However, most patients pay even less than that. 

Who are the HOA cancer genetics specialists?

Kimberly Conboy, FNP-BC, RN, DPT, CGRA

Kimberly Conboy, FNP-C, RN, DPT, CLTKim began her healthcare career in 2006, with a Master’s and Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Deciding to pursue nursing, Kim graduated from St. Joseph’s College of Nursing and continued to SUNY Upstate Medical University, to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Now a nationally certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Kim has dedicated her career to working in oncology. She has a passion for cancer care, cancer genetics, and patient advocacy. She currently practices at Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York, where she works an Advanced Practitioner in Radiation Oncology and Genetics. She completed the Intensive Course in Community Cancer Genetics and Research Training through the City of Hope in 2021, and is Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Certified through the National Consortium of Breast Centers.

Kristen Weiler FNP-BC, RN, OCN, CGRA

Kristen Weiler FNP-BC, RN, OCNKristen graduated from Crouse College of Nursing in 2009 and quickly found her passion for oncology as an inpatient Registered Nurse. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing while continuing her career in outpatient oncology, ultimately going on to receive her Master of Science at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, NY.

As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Kristen’s focus and passion for cancer care continues with cancer genetics and medical oncology. She is continually amazed by the strength of her patients, and their willingness to allow her to share their journey. Kristen enjoys the science of cancer genetics, including the fact that it is always evolving and supporting improvements in cancer care. She completed the Intensive Course in Genomic Cancer Risk Assessment through the City of Hope in 2021 and is Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Certified through the National Consortium of Breast Centers. She is currently practicing at Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York as a Nurse Practitioner in Medical Oncology and Genetics.

Kathryn Snyder, MS, AOCN, ANP

Kathryn Snyder, FNP, RN, AOCN, CGRAKathy graduated from Ellis Hospital School of Nursing in Schenectady, NY and worked as a registered nurse for many years before ultimately deciding to continue her education. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from Syracuse University in 1995 and joined Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY as a Nurse Practitioner in 1998.

As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Kathy’s focus is medical oncology and hematology. Having provided genetic counseling throughout her time at HOA, Kathy decided to join the Cancer Genetics Team in 2021. She also completed the Intensive Course in Genomic Cancer Risk Assessment through the City of Hope. As a life-long learner, Kathy continues to be fascinated by the advancements made in the field of cancer genetics. She enjoys getting to know patients and their families and providing them guidance to reduce their cancer risks.

Mya Robertson, FNP-BC, RN, OCN, CGRA

Mya Robertson, FNP-BC, RN, OCN, CGRAMya is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Elmira College. She obtained her master’s degree at SUNY Upstate Medical University, graduating Sigma Theta Tau International.  She has specialized in breast care since 2004.  She is a breast navigator and certified in clinical breast exams. She has extensive training with benign and malignant conditions of the breast. 

Mya also completed training at the City of Hope for cancer genetics and cancer risk assessment.  She is currently employed at Hematology Oncology Associates of CNY as a Nurse Practitioner, seeing patients in a high-risk clinic.