What Is Genetic Counseling? Genetic counseling gives people an
opportunity to sit down with a trained health professional to
discuss their risk for a genetic disease and to decide if they
want to be tested. A genetic counselor will do the following: -
Take a detailed family and medical history - Assess an
individual's risk for having a genetic mutation - Discuss the
risks and benefits of genetic testing - Discuss testing options
and talk about what each option means - Explain the options
available if you are found to carry a genetic mutation - Discuss
the implications of genetic testing for other family members The
genetic counselor's role is to help the patient to become well
informed and to make the decision that is best for him or her.
It is important to understand that even if you are found to be
at a higher risk for carrying a mutation, you may decide, after
counseling, not to be tested.