Genetic consultations a growing practice in Nickel City

Every year Sudbury's four genetic counsellors perform around 700 new consultations.

Genetic consultation has existed for several decades, but the field has gotten much more sophisticated in recent years.

In 1990 the Human Genome Project started. Ten years — and almost $3 billion — later, researchers were able to map the human genome.

Geneticists have benefited from the fruits of that research and, with a simple blood sample, can tell if a person is predisposed to certain genetic conditions – ranging from heart disease to a long list of cancers.

Health Science North's genetic counsellors see prenatal, pediatric and adult patients on a regular basis. Josée Prévost, a genetic counsellor in Sudbury, said consultations with the latter group has grown, especially to test for genetic predispositions to certain types of cancers.

When actress Angelina Jolie underwent a preventative double mastectomy earlier this year – due to her high risk of developing breast cancer – it resulted in an immediate increase in consultations, Prévost said.

Prenatal consultations are also common, she said. A mother can determine if her child will have a genetic condition, such as Down syndrome, as early as 10 weeks into her pregnancy thanks to a new non-invasive blood test.

“In prenatal counselling, some women might consider, based on the results, to continue or terminate a pregnancy,” Prévost said.

While some may question the ethics of this, Prévost said genetic counsellors are trained to remain neutral and give patients only the facts they will need to make their own informed decisions.

“We never sway patients one way or another,” she said.

The counsellors are not doctors, however, and cannot perform tests themselves. Sudbury's counsellors are all accredited by the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors.

Prévost has a masters of genetic counselling from the Université de Montréal. The University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, McGill University also offer the degree in Canada.

A geneticist, based in Ottawa, works closely with Sudbury's genetic counsellors to consult with them on different patients and their unique needs.

None of the genetic lab tests are currently performed in Sudbury, but Prévost said the team at Health Sciences North is working to conduct some locally.

Genetic consultations are covered by OHIP. To make an appointment, a patient must be referred to Health Science North's genetic consultation department by a health care professional – usually a family doctor.

Prévost said they do not do general tests for every possible genetic condition. A patient must come to them with a specific concern – such as a possible genetic predisposition for breast cancer in their family.