Mock Cancer Genetic Counseling Session

We're excited to announce the launch of our new Mock Genetic Counseling Session series! In our first installment, genetic counselor Catherine Mayo and student Ariel Modeste perform a mock cancer genetic counseling session, offering insight into how genetic testing for cancer risks is discussed with patients.
We hope this series is helpful for prospective and current genetic counseling students, as well as the general public, by demystifying the genetic counseling process. Understanding how these sessions work can empower individuals and provide valuable educational insights into this critical healthcare service.
Catherine Mayo (she/her), is a Genomic Science Liaison at a genetic testing company. She is a board-certified genetic counselor interested in rare diseases, increased access to genetics services, and social justice in healthcare. She has previous experience in biotechnology and drug development in the Bay Area.
Check out Catherine’s two other appearances on DNA Today. In Episode #110 we chatted about the film Gattaca, mostly how much technology in the film is no longer fiction. We recorded this when we were roommates in grad school together and are members of Sarah Lawrence’s Class of 2020. Catherine more recently shared insight in Episode #259, which was a recap and reflection on the 2023 National Society of Genetic Counselors’ (NSGC) Annual Conference.
Ariel Modeste (she/her) is currently in her second and final year in the Human Genetics Program at Sarah Lawrence College training to be a genetic counselor. Ariel is a graduate of LaGrange College with a B.S. in Biology and a double minor in psychological science and chemistry. The premise of this mock case was Ariel’s work as part of her internship with DNA Today.
Specialty: Cancer
Indication: A 26-year-old unaffected female is seen due to a family history of cancer.
Patient Name: Estelle Woods
Outline:
Contracting
Introduction to each other
Why were they referred to genetic counseling?
Explain what the session will entail
Ask if patient has any questions
Medical Intake
Family History
Take a pedigree
Patient Education
The purpose of all the questions that were asked
Genetics overview
Hereditary cancer risk factors and signs
Risk Assessment
Review the patient’s pedigree and explain what is suspicious and what isn’t and why.
What you would test for in the patient
Who the best person in the family is to be tested
Decision Making
Explain genetic testing
Explain the 3 possible results
Explain what each result would mean for the individual and their family members
Ask patient if they would like to pursue the genetic testing
Insurance and cost
NCCN criteria
Potential insurance coverage
Cash option without insurance
GINA
Consenting
Signing consent forms
Results
Turn around time
How results are provided
Recap information and final questions
Stay tuned for the continuation of our mock genetic counseling session series! Over the next year we will be bringing you more mock sessions inspired by a cumulation of cases.
Please note that the information provided in this mock genetic counseling session is intended strictly for educational purposes and should not be used for personal medical decision-making. If you have questions or concerns about your health, we encourage you to consult directly with a certified genetic counselor who can provide tailored medical recommendations. If you are in the United States, you can find a genetic counselor near you by visiting FindAGeneticCounselor.com.
Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today next Friday! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 300 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our TH-cam channel, this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios.
DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our social media lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.

[@tannereustace]

Thank you so much for this! As an aspiring genetic counselor hoping to apply for grad school, it is so nice to be able to show this to those who don’t quite understand it!

[@DNATodayPodcast]

You are SO welcome. We are excited to share more soon :)

[@tannereustace]

@@DNATodayPodcastit could also be really cool if you did another variation of this, like prenatal genetic counseling in regard to a sex chromosome condition!