Overview

Addressing your cancer concerns

If a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, you may wonder what that news means for you.

A cancer diagnosis can raise questions about your future risk and the risk for family members.

Genetic counselors at the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center can help you get answers. We provide risk assessments and counseling to people with concerns about cancer in their family tree.

We help you understand your risk, which can provide peace of mind. If you have an increased chance of getting cancer, we can help you develop a screening plan. If you currently have cancer, our assessment can help guide decisions about your treatment and follow-up care.

Learn more about genetic counseling at UW Health

Programs and services

Let the best available information guide you

The UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center is Wisconsin’s only comprehensive cancer center. You receive all the cancer care you need here, including access to information about hereditary cancer risk.

With a referral from your provider, we can help you make informed decisions that may benefit the long-term health of you and your family members.

How we help

Our risk assessments provide you with personalized information regarding:

  • Inherited cancer risk factors

  • Targeted screening recommendations

  • Prevention options

We also provide emotional support. We know that when you seek our services, it may be a challenging time. We make the process as easy and as reassuring as possible.

What to expect

When you come to us, we will:

  • Collect detailed medical and family histories

  • Teach you about genetic and nongenetic cancer risk factors

  • Assess the likelihood that cancer in the family is linked to genetics

  • Discuss the risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing

  • Provide cancer risk estimates for you and your family members

  • Help you adjust to the news you receive

  • Address issues related to insurance and privacy

Who we serve

Let us help you

We can help you if you have a personal or family history of cancer that includes:

  • A hereditary cancer syndrome or mutation in a gene known to raise cancer risk in the family

  • More than one cancer in the same person (cancer in both breasts, for example, or two different types of cancer)

  • Onset of cancer before age 50

  • Rare cancers, such as male breast cancer or medullary thyroid cancer

  • Several relatives on the same side of the family with cancer

To learn more, please call (608) 263-7284.

Meet our team

Assisting you with expertise and support

Our team includes experienced professionals who specialize in genetics and counseling.

They work closely with healthcare providers in the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center. Together, they make sure you receive the guidance and support that will most benefit you.

Locations

Part of the specialized care at the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center

Patient and support services

Your history form

If a doctor has already referred you to our clinic, please complete and return the history form below. We’ll contact you to schedule your appointment.

UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center

The experts at the UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center intimately understand every type of cancer. We will get to know you and design a treatment plan that works for you and your family.

Learn more