Saint Joseph Mercy Health System now offers genetic counseling to help patients and families who have an increased risk for cancer:
Family member with a known hereditary cancer syndrome
Multiple family members with the same type or related types of cancer
Cancer at a younger than average age (typically before age 50)
Two or more primary cancers in the same individual
Rare cancer or unusual tumor
Genetic counselors help patients make informed, personalized decisions about their health. Upon referral, the Cancer Genetics Program will contact the patient to:
Collect a detailed medical and family history
Assess a patient’s personal risk for having a hereditary cancer syndrome
Educate patients and their families about genes and inheritance patterns
Discuss the benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic testing
Assist patients with obtaining coverage for genetic testing
Review test results and medical management options
Provide psychosocial support to patients and their families
Meet the Team
Kristen Hanson, MS, CGC is a board certified genetic counselor with a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and M.S. in Genetic Counseling from the University of Michigan.
Kathleen Beekman, MD, medical oncologist at IHA Hematology Oncology Consultants, is the new Director of Genetic Services. She has a special interest in cancer genetics.
