ABOUT Informed
Up to 600,000 people in the United States carry a hereditary
gene mutation that causes increased cancer risks. However, less than 5%
(less than 30,000) of these people know about the mutation causing cancer in
their family.
Informed Medical Decisions (Informed) makes cancer genetic counseling
available to people by telephone at their convenience.
Informed was created to increase access to experts in cancer genetics for people
at risk for hereditary cancer. Genetic counselors help people and their
doctors make the most informed genetic testing, cancer screening, and cancer
prevention decisions.
Informed's genetic counselors have extensive experience in cancer
genetics. A telephone call with an Informed genetic counselor will
provide people with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding:
“American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that genetic
testing only be done in the setting of pre- and post-test counseling, which
should include discussion of possible risks and benefits of cancer early
detection and prevention modalities.” Journal of Clinical Oncology 21;2003.
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The chance that cancer in their family is hereditary.
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Genetic tests that can diagnose hereditary cancer.
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The benefits and limitations of genetic tests.
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Insurance coverage for genetic tests.
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Individual cancer risks based on family history, with or without any genetic
testing.
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Cancer screening tests and prevention options for people based on their cancer
risks.
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Research opportunities.
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Resources for support.
Board
of Directors:: Informed Genetic Counselors
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