The Cancer Genetics Services Directory is a directory of individuals who provide services related to cancer genetics (cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, genetic susceptibility testing, and others).

As our understanding of the genetic basis of familial cancers increases, it will affect the ways in which clinical medicine is practiced. Patients and health care providers will undoubtedly have many questions about cancer risk assessment, as well as availability and appropriateness of genetic susceptibility testing for cancer, and interpretation of test results.

This directory contains professionals of various disciplines, such as genetic counseling, oncology, nursing, psychology, social work, and clinical genetics. Each person listed must be licensed, certified, or eligible for board certification in their profession, have specific training in cancer genetics, and be affiliated with an interdisciplinary team with substantial expertise in cancer genetics. They must also be a member of one of the professional organizations listed on the application and be willing to accept referrals.

The translation of scientific discoveries into clinical care is a long process. Initially, tests are performed under research protocols to determine indications, safety, efficacy, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of testing or not testing. These tests also explore counseling issues and the psychological, social, economic, and medical consequences of testing or not testing. Some cancer genetics specialists listed in this directory primarily do research, others are involved in clinical care, and some in both. Patients should be cautioned that many research studies are designed to answer scientific questions and may not provide test results or clinically useful information to patients and referring physicians; however, participation is usually subsidized by research funding. Testing in a clinical setting generally involves fees both for the medical/counseling services as well as for the test itself, when testing is indicated. Patients should be informed that consultations for comprehensive family risk assessment and counseling likely will occur only in face-to-face visits and not by telephone.

Persons considering genetic testing should always be provided genetic education and counseling by qualified professionals to achieve thorough informed consent. This directory represents some of the professionals who provide these services. You may search the directory by the professional's name, city, state, or country or by specific cancer(s) or genetic condition(s). Make your entry in the appropriate space on the search form.

The directory now contains information on more than 300 professionals. We will continue to add professionals and to enhance the information in this directory.

Listing in the PDQ Cancer Genetics Services Directory does not constitute an endorsement by the National Cancer Institute or the PDQ Editorial Board. Although the criteria for listing information in PDQ is carefully developed and reviewed, individual persons and organizations who fulfill those criteria are not reviewed prior to listing.

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To be considered for inclusion in this directory, fax a request for an application to the Genetics Directory Coordinator at 301-402-6728 or send email to genetics@cips.nci.nih.gov.

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