Genetic consultation
Helps with the selection of an appropriate examination
During a genetic consultation, a clinical geneticist finds out details about the health of the patient and their blood relatives. Based on the personal and family medical history, he or she will then suggest appropriate tests to clarify health problems or to determine the risk of hereditary diseases or the risk of transmission to offspring or complications during pregnancy. The more accurate information you have about your health and the health of your blood relatives, the more beneficial the consultation will be. The doctor will answer all your questions and explain how the genetic test works.
IN WHICH SITUATIONS IT IS APPROPRIATE TO HAVE THE CONSULTATION
CANCER
Family history of cancer.
HEREDITARY DISEASES
Family history of hereditary diseases.
UNCLEAR DIAGNOSIS
Health problems without a diagnosis.
QUESTIONS AND UNCERTAINTY
You have questions or don't know which test to choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time required for the laboratory examination (sample analysis) and the delivery date of the result vary according to the type and complexity of the examination. Usually it is in the order of weeks, for complex tests up to several months. The delivery date of the result is indicated in the details of each test on our website. In urgent situations, e.g. for a woman with a newly diagnosed breast or ovarian tumour before surgery, the oncopanel cancer test is performed in STATIM mode and the result is available within 3-4 weeks, whereas in normal mode it takes up to 6 months.
Health insurance always covers genetic consultations recommended by the attending physician (usually a general practitioner, paediatrician, oncologist, gynaecologist or other specialist). During the consultation, a clinical geneticist will assess whether the indication criteria for testing for the predisposition genes are met; if so, the entire genetic test, including laboratory analysis of the sample and subsequent consultation with the geneticist/doctor, is covered by health insurance. If the criteria for the genetic testing are not met, the patient can pay for the selected/recommended test as a self-payment.
After making an appointment, you will come to our office where you will first fill out a personal and family history questionnaire, or you can download it from here on our website and fill it out in advance, in the comfort of your own home. Remember to bring it with you afterwards. This is followed by a consultation with a doctor who will compile your three-generation family tree and decide on the indication for laboratory genetic testing. We also recommend that you bring medical reports from recent important examinations.
Recommendation - a referral from the doctor who recommended the genetic consultation. Alternatively, a completed genetic family and personal history questionnaire, which can be downloaded here. However, the questionnaire can also be completed after you arrive at our office. Medical reports from previous examinations related to the requested genetic test. It is not necessary to be fasting for the genetic examination, so you can easily make an appointment in the afternoon.
It has been reported that approximately 5-10% of cancers are caused by inborn changes in certain genes. One of the main goals of predictive genetic testing is the early identification of people at risk. If risk predispositions (gene mutations) are detected, preventive follow-up at specialised centres is recommended, where possible cancers are detected early and the chances of successful treatment are increased. In the case of high-risk mutations, preventive surgery may be recommended to make the risk of cancer in a given organ virtually impossible (for example, removal of the breast glands or removal of the uterus and ovary in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers).
If your first-degree relative (parents, siblings, children) develops colon cancer before the age of 45, your risk of developing this cancer is 5 times higher. If you have three first-degree relatives, your risk can be as high as 50%. In families with a history of recurrent bowel cancer or with a history of bowel cancer at a young age, it could be hereditary cancer syndrome (Lynch syndrome). In such cases, genetic consultation is recommended.