Genetic Counseling Center
At Summit Health, our Genetic Counseling Center offers personalized risk assessment, genetic testing, and genetic screening for individuals and couples with family health concerns.
Overview
Understanding your genetic health can help you and your family make informed decisions about your future. At Summit Health and Westmed, our Genetic Counseling Center offers personalized risk assessment, genetic testing, and genetic screening for individuals and couples with family health concerns.
Genetic counseling is a supportive process that helps you understand how inherited conditions may affect you or your loved ones. Whether you're planning a pregnancy, managing a family history of cancer, or simply want clarity about your health, our team is here to guide you with compassion and expertise.
You may benefit from genetic counseling if you:
- Are planning to have a baby or are already pregnant
- Have a personal or family history of cancer or inherited conditions
- Are giving birth at age 35 or older
- Have experienced infertility, stillbirth, or several miscarriages
- Want to learn more about a condition that runs in your family
Our board-certified genetic counselors combine clinical knowledge with a warm, patient-first approach. They take time to listen, explain your options clearly, and support you at every step. With Summit Health, you gain access to trusted specialists who make even complex information easy to understand.
Conditions and procedures
Our genetic counselors provide evaluation, testing, and guidance for a wide range of inherited and genetic concerns. Here are some of the conditions and procedures we support.
Cancer predisposition
Most cancers are not inherited. However, in 5% to 10% of families, a genetic predisposition may increase the risk for certain cancers. We offer risk assessment and genetic testing related to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and mutations, breast and ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and other hereditary cancers.
Blood disorders
We provide counseling and testing for inherited blood conditions, including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and hemophilia.
Chromosomal abnormalities
Our team can help assess and explain chromosomal differences, congenital heart disease, and neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy.
Prenatal genetic evaluation
If you're planning a pregnancy or already expecting, we offer prenatal genetic evaluation, including assessments for prenatal exposures. Testing can take place before pregnancy, at your first prenatal visit, or later in your pregnancy.
Inherited and metabolic disorders
We support families concerned about inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis, fragile X syndrome, and Tay-Sachs disease. We also evaluate metabolic disorders of unexplained origin, intellectual disability, and developmental delay.
Cancer genetic counseling
A consultation with one of our genetic counselors is a valuable opportunity to understand your cancer risk. Our counselors estimate risk based on several factors, including:
- Maternal and paternal family histories
- The age or ages when cancer was diagnosed
- Ethnicity
- Clustering of related cancers on either side of the family
Our genetic counselors are highly experienced in risk assessment and can walk you through the options available to families who may carry a predisposition for hereditary cancers. Together, we can build a plan that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind.
Our specialists
Constance Gore, RN-APN
Genetic impact on gynecologic cancers
Genes, inherited from our parents, affect many factors, both visible and invisible. They decide our hair color, eye color, height, and whether we end up with freckles or dimples, but they also determine what diseases we are born with or may be at increased for developing.
Patient resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Genetic counseling is a process that helps you understand inherited conditions and how they may affect your health or your family. A genetic counselor reviews your medical and family history, explains your risk, and helps you decide whether genetic testing is right for you. It's a supportive conversation designed to give you clarity and confidence.
You may want to consider genetic counseling if you're planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, have a personal or family history of cancer or inherited conditions, are giving birth at age 35 or older, or have experienced infertility, stillbirth, or multiple miscarriages. If you're unsure, your health care provider can help you decide.
Your health care provider or board-certified genetic counselor will review your personal and family medical histories, often looking back as far as three generations. They'll ask about diseases, disorders, and birth defects in your family, then discuss the benefits and risks of testing. Both parents may have blood tests before pregnancy, and if you're pregnant, your baby may also be tested.
No. The majority of cancers are not inherited. In about 5% to 10% of families, however, there may be a genetic predisposition for certain cancers. A genetic counselor can assess your family history and help you understand your individual risk.
Genetic testing is guided by your health care provider or a board-certified genetic counselor. At Summit Health, our experienced counselors ensure that testing is always paired with a thorough genetic consultation, so you fully understand the process and your results.
Your provider or genetic counselor will review your genetic screening results with you in detail. If a concern is found, they'll help you understand what it means and explain your choices for prevention and treatment. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.