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Preparation for the first visit:

After an appointment has been made for your genetic counselling session, there is very little that you have to do to prepare for the first visit. Unless you were instructed to provide additional information, the only items to bring to the appointment are the Jewish General Hospital card (if already previously created at the hospital) and the Medicare card. Please check that both cards are not expired yet.

It is possible that you will be given the option to take a blood test on the same day as the appointment. This is only if a test is necessary. There is no special preparation or fasting needed for this blood test.

The first visit:

Genetic counselling is a dynamic communication process between the client and the counsellor that provides education and support to the client. Basic components of a cancer genetic counselling session include:

• Taking a detailed family history
• Verifying the family’s ethnic background
• Evaluating the risk for developing cancer
• Client and family counselling
• Education about the genetic contribution to cancer, what genetic testing involves as well as its availability and limitations
• Options and guidelines for prevention and early detection of certain cancers
• Emotional support
• Referrals for specialty screening and evaluations, when necessary
• The option of genetic testing, when indicated

It is very important to note that while the Department of Medical Genetics is located in room A-802, the appointments are held in room E-740, therefore clients should present themselves to the Cancer Prevention Centre in E-740 on the day of the appointment.

You can expect that your first visit will take approximately one hour.

It is possible that you will be given the option to take a blood test on the day of your appointment. This is only if you qualify for this test.

After the first visit:

You may be asked to return for a follow-up appointment. Otherwise, you might not qualify for genetic testing at the present time. Each case is reviewed individually and the follow-up depends on a number of factors, including whether or not you have decided to have a genetic test or to obtain more information about your family.

Timeline:

If you qualify for genetic testing and decide to move ahead with the process, the genetic counsellor will be able to tell you approximately when to expect your results. This depends on what testing will be done, and how many tests are necessary.

Contact information for current clients:

For inquiries related to appointment scheduling, please phone or fax your questions to:

Secretary
Department of Medical Genetics
Tel.: (514) 340-8222 extension 23965| Fax: (514) 340-8712

Jewish General Hospital
3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road
Room A-805
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H3T 1E2

Please note – Any questions following your meeting with the Genetics team should be directed to the Genetic Counsellor you met with at the time of your appointment. If you cannot reach them, you may leave a message with the secretary.