The case for cancer genetics

When contemplating an expensive purchase or significant life change like a new career, we may ask ourselves, “Should I, or shouldn’t I?” We weigh the factors at our disposal — cost, expected benefits and more — to reach what we believe is the optimal conclusion. Access to relevant, reliable information is critical to the decision-making process — but perhaps even more so when facing choices that could impact our long-term health.

That’s why cancer genetics and risk management is so valuable. With hands-on support from genetic counselors, this data allows patients with a cancer diagnosis or those potentially at higher risk of cancer or other health issues to consider and evaluate all possible outcomes, whether treatment or preventative actions like extra screenings. During a time that may be surrounded by uncertainty and fear, individuals feel equipped and empowered to make lifesaving healthcare decisions.

Consider a patient whose physician uncovered multiple polyps during her colonoscopy. Before determining whether to proceed with a partial colectomy or a more aggressive surgical course, her doctor recommended genetic evaluation. Fortunately for the patient, her genetic results were negative. This process provided a two-fold benefit. First, the patient was able to undergo a significantly less invasive — and consequently less expensive — surgery. Second, she was able to gain peace of mind knowing she didn’t have a known hereditary predisposition to cancer. Now, she can manage her risk with customized, cost-effective measures.

Genetic evaluation represents an important step in the healthcare sector’s shift to precision medicine as the standard of care. As the President’s Cancer Panel shared, genetic findings help foster shared decision-making between patients and their providers, ensuring more tailored treatments and risk reduction considerations. Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), a national nonprofit, reaffirmed the advisory committee’s stance, noting how genetic evaluation “improves healthcare by enabling informed medical decisions.” In short, it ensures medical teams provide the right preventative measures and treatments to the right patients at the right time.

That said, genetic tests are simply the tools. Genetic counseling, delivered by specialized providers, is crucial to whether our patients and healthcare system can fully reap the benefits of these advances. According to a study published in the Journal of Genetic Counseling, the services these trained individuals provide “improve genetic testing ordering strategies,” which leads to better patient care and fewer healthcare dollars spent. Additional peer-reviewed research indicates genetic counseling boosts patient engagement levels, an outcome associated with enhanced population health and reduced overall healthcare costs.

At CARTI, we’ve witnessed the benefits of cancer genetics and risk management firsthand. Following in-depth discussions with patients about their goals and medical and family histories, our team walks them through the genetic testing process, including the benefits, risks and limitations. If informed consent is given, we then customize the latest and most appropriate genetic test panel for their needs, accounting for current clinical guidelines and insurance requirements to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Finally, we interpret and explain the complex findings in an easy-to-understand and digestible format to help guide medical management decisions. Whether recommending screenings, psychological support, treatment or another course of action, our overarching goal is improving patient outcomes.

When confronted with a diagnosis or potential risk of a life-threatening condition, it can feel difficult — or nearly impossible — for individuals to determine their next steps. Cancer genetics and risk management services are a personalized, proactive, and proven way to ease that burden on patients and their families. Through genetic evaluation and counseling, we can provide accurate, detailed, and timely information to help individuals advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about their health.

Editor’s note: Jennifer Campbell is a genetic counselor with CARTI and is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board. The opinions expressed are those of the author.