What is genetic counseling?
Genetic counseling is a process of helping individuals and families understand how genetic conditions might affect them. By assessing your personal and family medical history, a genetic counselor will be able to determine the likeliness of either inheriting or passing on a genetic disorder, and help you decide if genetic testing is an option for you.
If you are new to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, you can schedule an appointment with one of our Primary Care or Preventative Medicine doctors, or ask about our Executive Health Program for a fully comprehensive health check up.
Who are genetic counselors?
Genetic counselors have specialized higher education and training both in genetics and counseling and are able to assess the risk of inherited disorders based on medical history and genetic testing. They offer guidance in understanding genetic conditions and their implications, and help you make informed choices about testing and preventive options.
If you do decide to have genetic testing, your counselor will recommend the most appropriate test for you, and will help you to understand your test results, health implications and treatment options, as well as provide emotional support and referrals to other medical specialties.
Who is genetic counseling for?
There are different situations and stages in life where your doctor may refer you for genetic counseling based on your individual and family medical history, these can include:
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Abnormal genetic test results: If you have an abnormal genetic test result, a genetic counselor can help you understand what your results mean, and their implications, and will outline options for any recommended further testing.
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If you have a family history of, or are displaying symptoms of certain conditions: Genetic counseling can be helpful to confirm or rule out a genetic or hereditary disorder, and will provide information about your risks and symptoms, as well as discuss further test options, prevention, and management of any hereditary conditions.
Your doctor may refer you for genetic counseling if you have a personal or family history of health conditions including but not restricted to:
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Hereditary cancers (including breast, ovarian, colorectal, uterine, prostate or pancreatic cancer)
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Childhood and adult hereditary conditions
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Suspected or confirmed hereditary cardiovascular disorders
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Hereditary blood disorders (including thalassemia, sickle cell disease and hemophilia)
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Suspected or confirmed hereditary eye disorders.
Genetic counseling is available by referral from a physician at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Speak to your doctor at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to discuss any concerns you may have, and if genetic counseling is recommended for you.
