Services
There are a wide range of services you may benefit from, such as BRCA gene testing or another hereditary cancer test.
Discussing your personal and family history will help us map out strategic next steps, so you can take control of your health. Read below to see what service might be right for you.
What is Hereditary Cancer?
Hereditary cancer is a type of cancer caused by an inherited gene change, termed a mutation. Hereditary cancer genetic tests can locate if you have an inherited gene mutation. Although certain gene mutations might indicate that the person who carries it has a higher likelihood of developing specific types of cancer, there are other factors to consider, including lifestyle, family history, environmental and hormonal risk factors. About 5-10% of cancers are due to an inherited cause.
Services
Inherited Cancer Risk Assessment
If you have a family history of cancer, you may be thinking that it’s only a matter of time until you develop cancer yourself. You’ve lost loved ones to cancer, and the considerable worry has you wondering “Will I be next?” Perhaps you’re wondering if there’s anything you can do to reduce your cancer risk. You’ve tried scouring the Internet, but all you find is conflicting information. You’re not sure what to believe. All you want is answers.
A family history of cancer doesn’t always mean that you or your children are at increased risk for developing cancer. Through a cancer risk assessment, my job is to put all of the pieces of the inherited cancer jigsaw puzzle together. I’ll ask you questions about a variety of factors like your lifestyle and family history, to determine your level of cancer risk. This will help us paint a broad picture of your health, so we can determine what tests would be right for you. An inherited cancer risk assessment allows us to see how small or big your risk is, so the power to make informed medical decisions is in your hands.
Genetic Testing and Counselling
Exploring your personal and family history gives me an idea of what steps we need to take to determine your risk of developing cancer. If we’ve established that genetic testing makes sense for you, we’ll discuss exactly what tests are appropriate, what genes will be tested, and the possible implications of those test results. Your genes will then be examined through a blood or saliva test via an accredited laboratory that specialises in hereditary cancer tests. This test will examine your genes for mutations which could indicate a higher likelihood of you developing cancer.
Your results are typically available in a few weeks. My expertise in medical oncology and clinical genetics allows me to interpret your results with a wide breadth of knowledge in both fields. We’ll discuss the implications of your results; whether you should consider additional screening, preventative surgery or drug therapy, psychological support, or other avenues. If you have a cancer diagnosis, I will counsel you through how the results may impact your current management. I can also advise you about the implications for your family and your future, and possible financial and insurance impacts. As your compassionate cancer genetics doctor, I’m here to help ease your fears and answer any questions you may have.
Gene Variant Interpretation
With the widespread availability of at-home genetic tests, it’s possible that you’ve taken one of those tests and aren’t sure how to interpret the results. Perhaps you had genetic testing arranged through your oncology team or a health screening. Navigating your results and their implications can add to the confusion and overwhelm you’re already experiencing. You know that genetic testing can provide answers, but you don’t know how to get those answers.
You’re looking for someone who will interpret your results correctly. You need a medical provider with specialised knowledge in evidence-based care. Bring your test results to me, and I’m happy to ensure you receive the right advice and guidance–so you have everything you need to make the best decisions for you and your family.
Inherited Cancer Risk Management for Individuals and Their Families
Our time together doesn’t stop after you’ve found out you have an increased risk of developing cancer. I’ll be by your side to discuss evidence-based strategies that would be right for you. Some of the things we may talk about are guidance regarding current cancer treatment (if relevant), your screening and surgical risk management options, reproductive choices (if applicable), recommendations on other specialists, and possible risks for your family.
Since inherited cancer involves you and your family, they’re welcome to join our consultations. If you need to have difficult conversations with your family, you’ll have support and guidance on how to best approach those conversations. You and your family will continue to receive support from me as you navigate what may be challenging times.
This is a general guideline of how my care works.
Since I provide specialised clinical care to each of my patients, the process for you may look a bit different.
Step 1
Begin your journey by booking an appointment with me via the button below.
Step 2
We will have a 45-minute virtual consultation where I’ll get to know you and your medical history through a detailed cancer risk assessment. If you’ve had testing done elsewhere, I’ll review those tests prior to our consultation so we can go through them during our call.
Step 3
If you decide to, we will move forward with the advice and recommendations for genetic tests or other investigations I suggested during our consultation.
Step 4
We will have a 30-minute follow-up virtual consultation to discuss the results of your tests and make sure you receive ongoing clinical care and psychological support, if needed.
Wondering if my services are recognised by your PMI?
Many of them are. You can reach out to your insurance provider, or my team will be able to provide you with the relevant support.
our private medical insurers
Allianz Worldwide Care Ltd
AVIVA
AXA PPP Healthcare Limited
BUPA
BUPA International
Cigna International
Cigna UK
CS Healthcare
Kuwait Military Attache
Simply Health
Vitality Health
WPA
Book an appointment today to get started.
Whether you need BRCA gene testing, a general hereditary cancer test, or need help interpreting past test results, feel empowered as you take charge of your health.