Dr. Isaacs on the Importance of Genetic Counseling

Claudine Isaacs, MD, professor, medical director, Fisher Center for Familial Cancer Research, co-director, Breast Cancer Program, Georgetown University/Lombardi Cancer Center, discusses the importance of genetic counseling and the role of the genetic counselor.

Isaacs says in her mind, genetic counseling has always been an important part of genetic testing. Genetic counselors spend time with patients in order to obtain thorough family history and identify a hereditary predisposition for cancer.

Genetic counselors also discuss the implications of genetic tests with patients and family members and may have greater knowledge about the different tests available, Isaacs says. Genetic counselors are also on the forefront of any updates on reclassifications of genetic tests.