WellStar Offering Genetic Risk Assessment Counseling

The WellStar Cancer Network is now offering genetic risk assessments at the .

Patients are currently being seen on Wednesdays in the radiation oncology department by two WellStar genetic counselors, Jessica Pack and Kimberly King-Spohn. Pack recently joined WellStar as a genetic counselor.

Genetic counselors are trained healthcare professionals specializing in identifying hereditary cancer syndromes and explaining testing and screening options to patients. They meet with patients and their families to determine if a hereditary cancer gene is present.

All cancer is genetic, meaning that cancer is always caused by a change in a gene or group of genes that causes a group of cells to grow into a tumor. Not all cancer is caused by changes in genes that are passed down from parent to child. Some family members share a gene change in common that increases the risk to develop cancer. Undergoing a genetic risk assessment by a genetic counselor can help determine if cancer in a family is hereditary.

“Even if a patient tests positive for the gene, there are many treatment options that can decrease your risk, including medical and lifestyle changes,” says Pack, who graduated from the University of Cincinnati with her master of science in genetic counseling.

The most important tool to predict a patient’s health is family medical history. If there are several family members who have the same type of cancer or cancer developed at a younger age than expected, there is an increased risk of a hereditary cancer syndrome link.

“I am excited to join WellStar and bring genetic counseling services to the residents of Paulding County,” Pack said. “Kimberly King-Spohn and I will continue to see patients at the Kennestone location and look forward to offering these services out in the local communities.”

The Genetic Risk Assessment Program was made possible in 2007 by a generous gift from the Milligan family, matched by BB&T, to the WellStar Foundation. The program is focused on breast and ovarian cancers as well as other cancers with a hereditary cancer syndrome link.

The is located at 148 Bill Carruth Parkway, Hiram. WellStar Health System offers genetic risk assessment provided by board certified genetic counselors. To schedule an appointment call 770-793-7472.

For more information on the WellStar Health System, call 770-956-STAR (7827) or visit www.wellstar.org.