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Providence Cancer Institute Franz Genetic Risk Clinic

Providence Cancer Institute offers two pathways for cancer genetic testing. Through our Providence Genetic Risk Clinics and our partnership with Genome Medical, patients can meet with genetic specialists to assess their individual cancer risk. While it is not possible to predict who will develop cancer, it is possible to learn more about your cancer risk factors and the strategies for managing risk. It is important to note that this may or may not include genetic testing.

2343.5 miles away
503-215-7901
971-282-0019
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Providence Cancer Institute Franz Genetic Risk Clinic

Providence Cancer Institute offers two pathways for cancer genetic testing. Through our Providence Genetic Risk Clinics and our partnership with Genome Medical, patients can meet with genetic specialists to assess their individual cancer risk. While it is not possible to predict who will develop cancer, it is possible to learn more about your cancer risk factors and the strategies for managing risk. It is important to note that this may or may not include genetic testing.

2343.5 miles away
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Meet the Team

At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.

Providence Cancer Genetic Risk Clinics are currently only scheduling appointments with patients who are actively undergoing cancer treatment. Our geneticists can help these patients and their families identify possible hereditary conditions and recommend management strategies and care decisions.

For all other patients not actively undergoing cancer treatment, we ask that referrals be sent to our preferred partner, Genome Medical.

Cancer risk information can be frightening. The genetic specialists will provide information that patients can use for cancer prevention and early detecting including:

  • Your personal cancer risk factors based on medical history and lifestyle factors
  • How your family history of cancer influences risk
  • Whether genetic testing is likely to benefit you
  • Personalized set of cancer screening tests
  • Strategies to reduce your cancer risk

You will receive a detailed personal medical and family history questionnaire to complete before your visit. Keep in mind that it can take time to get appropriate details from family members; therefore, we recommend you start gathering the information as soon as possible.

If you have had cancer, we want to know details about the type of cancer. This can be obtained from pathology reports done at the time of biopsy or surgery. If your treatment was not performed at Providence, we may need your help to request these records.

Whenever possible, collect medical records (e.g., pathology reports or genetic testing reports) for family members who have had cancer. While this is not mandatory for a genetics consult, it may be necessary to provide specific answers to your questions and the most accurate personal risk assessment. Details about family members who have had cancer may also be necessary to meet the criteria required by your insurance to cover genetic testing.

During your visit, we will:

  • Document your personal and family cancer history, and construct an illustrated medical family tree (also known as a pedigree)
  • Address your specific questions and concerns
  • Provide a personalized cancer risk assessment based on the information provided
  • Review the risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing options to determine if testing is right for you

For individuals who elect to move forward with genetic testing, it can typically be ordered at the time of the initial consult visit. We will meet with you a few weeks later to discuss the results, and revise your risk assessment and recommendations.

Insurance coverage

Health insurance typically covers a consultation appointment, which is independent of any genetic testing cost or authorizations. Most insurance companies also cover the cost of genetic testing for individuals considered at high risk of disease. If you are uninsured, other means of assistance may be available. Please ask us about options.

Genome Medical and Providence have partnered to deliver genetic testing and counseling services. Individuals can receive testing for many common conditions, such as cancer. Genome Medical works closely with patients and their primary care or referring provider to communicate test results, next steps, and any recommended follow-up care.

Genome Medical is a national medical practice licensed in all 50 states to provide genetic counseling and testing through a virtual platform. On average, appointments are available within 2-3 days. Genome Medical accepts and bills many large health insurers, including Providence Health Plan. Currently, they are unable to accept Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance due to coverage limitations by these insurance providers.

Learn more at www.genomemedical.com/programs/providence-portland.

Genome Medical services:

  • Pre-test counseling (30 minute video or telephone conference)
  • Lab test ordering
  • Post-test counseling/return of results (30 min video or telephone conference)
  • Communications at every step with primary care or referring providers
  • Family variant testing and counseling
Referrals

Primary care providers and other specialists may refer their patients directly to Genome Medical if the patient is not actively undergoing cancer treatment and is interested in genetic testing. The referral form should be completed by a health care provider and faxed or emailed to Genome Medical.

During your visit, we will:

  • Document your personal and family cancer history, and construct an illustrated medical family tree (also known as a pedigree)
  • Address your specific questions and concerns
  • Provide a personalized cancer risk assessment based on the information provided
  • Review the risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing options to determine if testing is right for you

For individuals who elect genetic testing, it can typically be ordered at the time of the initial consult visit. We will meet with you a few weeks later to discuss the results, and revise your risk assessment and recommendations.

Some people find it helpful to have a support person, such as a friend, spouse or relative, present at a genetics consult to provide an extra set of ears or emotional support. Others may want to bring a sibling or adult child who may be directly impacted by the information discussed.

Whom you choose to accompany you is an individual decision. We encourage you to keep in mind the content of the discussion – your personal medical and family history, and in some cases genetic test results. Please be aware that your support person will be present for this discussion.

  • You will receive a detailed personal medical and family history questionnaire to complete before your visit. Keep in mind that it can take time to get appropriate details from family members; therefore, we recommend you start gathering information as soon as possible.
  • If you have had cancer, we want to know details about the type of cancer. This can be obtained from pathology reports done at the time of biopsy or surgery. If your treatment was not performed at Providence, we may need your help to request these records.
  • Whenever possible, collect medical records (e.g., pathology reports or genetic testing reports) for family members who have had cancer. While this is not mandatory for a genetics consult, it may be necessary to provide specific answers to your questions and the most accurate personal risk assessment. Details about family members who have had cancer may also be necessary to meet the criteria required by your insurance to cover genetic testing.

Health insurance typically covers a consultation appointment, which is independent of any genetic testing cost or authorizations. Most insurance companies also cover the cost of genetic testing for individuals considered at high risk of disease. If you are uninsured, other means of assistance may be available. Please ask us about options.

When you first hear the words “it’s cancer,” the road ahead may seem overwhelming. But from that moment on, Providence Cancer Institute surrounds you with people to help you through the journey. Treating your cancer is not only about treating the disease; it is also about supporting you as a whole person – body, mind and spirit. Here are some of our key support services to help you get through your treatment and emerge as healthy as possible.

Expert care services
  • Oncology nurse navigators work directly with your oncologists, surgeons, and care team to help you better understand and follow your treatment plans. The compassionate guidance of nurse navigators has been shown to improve treatment outcomes for patients.
    Learn more about nurse navigators.
  • Oncology social workers are trained counselors who help patients and families cope with the emotional stresses and practical concerns associated with cancer. Providence cancer patients and their families can benefit from our social work services.
    Learn more about what an oncology social worker can do for you.
  • Oncology nutrition. Cancer and cancer treatments can affect the way your body tolerates certain foods and uses nutrients. Our registered dietitians specialize in cancer nutrition and are here to help.
    Learn more about oncology nutrition.
  • Integrative medicine offers an excellent complement to conventional medicine to help patients achieve optimal health. Programs and services include acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, naturopathy, therapeutic massage and more.
    Learn more about integrative medicine.
  • Palliative care is a type of health care that focuses on improving your physical, emotional and spiritual health while you receive cancer treatment giving special attention to relieving pain and other distressing symptoms.
    Learn more about palliative care.
  • Cancer rehabilitation combines evidence-based cancer rehabilitation practices with services to address side effects and symptoms. The result is our patients recover their energy, well-being and quality of life more completely and quickly.
    Learn more about cancer rehabilitation.
Support services

In addition to providing expert cancer care, Providence Cancer Institute provides an extra dimension of care through our many support services and cancer resources.

  • Support groups provide education and support for cancer patients and their loved ones. Support groups are led by our professional staff and are offered as a free service to any person with cancer in our community.
  • Peer support is offered by trained volunteers who provide one-on-one peer support for patients with cancer and/or their caregivers. It is an opportunity to talk about your fears or concerns with someone who comes from a place of understanding your journey.
    Learn more about support groups and peer support.
  • The Living Well Guide is designed to provide our patients with one reference for all contact numbers, support services and self-care information.
  • The Living Well Through Cancer Treatment and Beyond Video Series will give you information, support and hope. Each video features patients who share their stories and experiences with helpful advice from cancer care experts.
    Learn more about Living Well Guide & video series.
  • Both the Living Well Guide and the video series are available in several languages.
Additional resources
  • Childcare
  • Financial resources
  • Guest housing
  • Lending libraries
  • Rehabilitation services
  • Transportation resources
  • Wellness classes
  • Screening and prevention

Learn More About Support Services & Resources

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Part of Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon

Providence Cancer Institute is a leading provider of cancer care in Oregon, and part of the largest community-based cancer-care network in the United States. Regardless of where you go for care, you have an entire team of cancer experts working together to provide a personalized, whole-person approach to your care. At Providence we see more than a cancer diagnosis, we see the life in you and are committed to helping you live well again.