What is Genetic Counselling?

Genetic counselling is offered to individuals who are suspected to have a hereditary cancer syndrome.

Genetic conditions that increase the risk of cancer are known as hereditary cancer syndromes. Genetic testing may be done to identify individuals with these conditions.

Genetic counselling is a discussion with a genetic counsellor/genetics specialist to:

• receive information on the suspected genetic conditio
• understand your options for genetic testing

Your result may help to personalise your treatment or management options.

If you have cancer, it can help:

• Guide treatment and/or surgery decisions
• Understand what other cancers you may be at increased risk of and how to manage these risks

If you do not have cancer, it can help:

• Guide screening options to detect cancer early
• Guide procedures to prevent cancer (e.g., surgery)
• Consider dedicated reproductive options for future pregnancies

You may have been referred for genetic counselling for the following reasons suggestive of a genetic condition:

A personal history of cancer/tumour(s):

• Young age of diagnosis
• Cancer type commonly associated with a genetic condition
• Cancer/tumour test results suggestive of the presence of an underlying faulty gene
• A rare type of cancer/tumour
• Multiple primary cancers

A family history of cancer:

• Multiple individuals diagnosed with similar types of cancer on the same side of the family

You may contact the Cancer Genetics Service

Tel: 6436 8088

Email: cgsgroup@nccs.com.sg

Operating Hours

Mondays - Fridays: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays

Visit the Cancer Genetics Service webpage here.

Please scan the following QR codes to access our website (left) or make a donation to CGS (right):

For general information about cancer:

Cancer Helpline

Tel: 6225 5655

Email: cancerhelpline@nccs.com.sg