Genetic Counseling
A family's medical history is a valuable tool for determining how diseases are transmitted from generation to generation.Genetic counseling is crucial for families facing inherited diseases, as it provides a detailed understanding of the condition, how it is transmitted and its manifestation in different family members.
At the Clinica, our Genetic Counseling Unit specialists will provide you with information on the most appropriate genetic testing, interpret medical results, report on the chances of disease recurrence, its possible impacts and options for prevention or amelioration.
This process requires an accurate diagnosis and usually involves professional teams from different specialties, since genetic diseases can have a global impact on the organism and the family structure. It includes from the application of genetic and non-genetic diagnostic techniques to sociological and rehabilitation considerations.
Do you want to know your genetic risk?
Enter your family health data to find out if you have a genetic risk of hereditary cancer.
When to perform genetic counseling?
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with an inherited disease.
If your family has a history of cancer.
If your family has a history of mental illness.
History of developmental disorders such as birth defects or intellectual disability.
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant and are concerned about the health of your baby.
If the results of any newborn screening test were not normal.
FAMILY HISTORY
The genogram
Family history contains important information about the past and future in a person's life. This information is vital to use as a diagnostic tool and helps determine appropriate genetic testing for both the patient and family members who may be at risk for developing certain diseases.
A genogram is a graphic tool that represents a person's family history, similar to a family tree, but with a focus on medical and genetic aspects. It includes information about the health and relationships of at least three generations of the family, allowing for visualization of inheritance patterns and disease trends.
It is essential that patients keep this family information up to date and share it regularly with their physicians during consultations.
How do we work in the Genetic Counseling Unit?
Medical team
We have a team of professionals with extensive experience in the evaluation of patients with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes.
Nursing team
Specialized in obtaining information from the patient to design a family tree, and accompanying the patient and family members during all phases of the process.
Psycho-oncology Team
A team of psychologists specialized in providing support to the patient and their family throughout the entire procedure.