CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Notice for all patients and visitors.
We are a clinician-led organisation where patient education and support services are initiated by the very people who treat breast cancer patients every day.
Learn more
Your donation will help us enhance breast cancer treatment and care, and increase survival rates.
We began in 2009 with a vision to provide high quality care while conducting research that would deliver the most advanced treatments and save lives.
BCRC-WA conducts research into breast cancer treatment and care that underpins the treatment we provide to our patients.
Genetic counselling is a communication process aimed at sharing information regarding genetic contribution to a specific health condition. This helps individuals and their family members adapt to the medical, psychosocial and reproductive implications of a specific genetic condition.
Cancer is a disease of aging that result from an accumulation of acquired faults in the genes that control our cell growth. We acquire these gene faults over decades, hence the risk of developing cancer increases with age. Cancer is a common condition affecting around 1 in 3 Australians during their lifetime.
A small number of these cancers are thought to be “hereditary”, caused by an inherited gene fault from the time we are conceived. These faults can lead to an increased risk for developing associated cancers. For example, an inherited fault in genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes increases the risk for developing breast, prostate, ovarian and in some rare cases pancreatic cancers at a younger age. Although the risk of developing cancer is higher not everyone with a gene fault will develop cancer.
Genetic counselling can help to clarify whether an inherited gene fault is the cause of cancers that have occurred in a family. Genetic testing information may change a treatment plan or help in making surgical management decisions. It can also help at-risk family members to understand and adapt to the implications of such conditions.
What is a role of a genetic counsellor?
A genetic counsellor (GC) helps you to make informed decisions about your options for genetic testing, interpret test results and communicate the implications of these results, for you, your immediate and extended family members. Genetic counsellors work with you and your doctors to help make appropriate recommendations regarding your options for ongoing surveillance to manage an increased risk of cancer.
A genetic counsellor (GC) is a healthcare professional with education and training in medical genetics and counselling. The role of a GC is to interpret the cancer risk based on an individual’s personal or family history. They help making an informed decision about an individual’s options for genetic testing. GCs communicate the implications of genetic test results for individuals and their family members. They work with doctors to help make appropriate recommendations regarding options for ongoing surveillance and management.
Genetic counsellor at Perth Breast Cancer Institute
Bhavya Vora is an Associate Genetic Counsellor with years of experience in hereditary cancer genetics. He has two masters’ degrees, one in Medical Genetics and another in Genetic Counselling. He uses analogies to explain the complex nature of genetics, offering you a comprehensive understanding of the genetic testing process. He creates a supportive environment and will work in partnership with you to help make appropriate decisions regarding your options of genetic testing and their implications.
Read more about your GC here.
What to expect at your appointment?
Interpretation of your personal and family history of cancer, to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.
Education on natural history of the condition, inheritance pattern, genetic testing, management, prevention and support resources.
Counselling to promote informed choices in view of risk assessment, family goals, ethical and religious values.
Support to encourage the best possible adjustment to the diagnoses cancer for you or an affected family member and/or to the risk of recurrence of that disorder
Genetic Testing
Genetic Testing is now available at the Perth Breast Cancer Institute. You can obtain more information on accessing this service by visiting www.cancergc.com.au or by contacting the rooms of Genetic Counsellor (08) 6500 5576 or email reception@bcrc-wa.com.au.
