Could benefit people at risk

Genetic testing enables doctors to give a patient a better understanding of their likelihood to develop certain cancers if the person has previously had cancer, has several immediate family members with cancer, or has many relatives on one side of the family with cancer.

Many insurance companies cover genetic counseling to some degree. Check with yours to discuss the options.

The New Mexico Cancer Center in Albuquerque offers genetic counseling information and what to expect during your first visit on its website, nmcancercenter.org/genetic-counseling/.