Hereditary Cancer Services
Genetic Testing and Counseling for Cancer
Call for an AppointmentIf cancer runs in your family, you may consider genetic testing to determine your cancer risk. If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or colon cancer, knowing whether this cancer is inherited can direct your treatment decisions. It may also affect your loved ones’ health in the future.
Genetic testing can alleviate fears in people who find they do not carry specific gene changes that may lead to cancer. It can also be a lifesaver. By arming yourself with knowledge about your cancer risk, you can make important decisions about screening, treatment, and preventive surgery, which may reduce your cancer risk and cancer’s impact on your life.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Why Choose Duke
Specially Trained Genetic Cancer Counselors
Our board-certified genetic counselors are specially trained in medical genetics and counseling. They become your ongoing support resource for information about the risks and benefits of genetic testing, the consequences of knowing test results, and ensuring your genetic information remains private and confidential.
Preventive Measures
We help you make informed decisions that will reduce your cancer risk and ensure you understand the importance of screening for early detection. Depending on your condition, we may recommend a regular screening program, lifestyle changes, and/or preventive surgery.
A Network of Cancer Researchers
We work closely with researchers nationwide to better understand inherited cancers and to develop new tools for estimating cancer risk.
Access to Clinical Trials
You may be eligible to participate in clinical trials that may lead to new and improved ways to treat cancer and help identify people who may develop cancer in the future.
Telemedicine Options
We provide telemedicine sessions (similar to Skype) for patients in Henderson and Laurinburg, NC. We also work with outreach clinics in Virginia and Florida.
No Referral Needed
If you would like to speak with a genetic counselor, we’ll do our best to schedule you as soon as possible. If you already have an appointment at the Duke Cancer Center, your genetic counselor may arrange to see you the same day you are seeing your radiation or medical oncologist.
Ongoing Support
We offer access to national and international support groups for hereditary cancer syndromes through our cancer support programs. View all of our cancer support groups on our event calendar.
Where you receive your cancer care is important. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our cancer program is nationally ranked, and the highest ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2020–2021.