Assess your hereditary cancer risk with a genetic counsellor
Building on its expertise in digestive cancer prevention and screening, Clinique 1037 is expanding its services with the introduction of genetic counselling for hereditary cancer risk. This service is for individuals who wish to better understand whether their personal or family history of cancer – including breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate or other cancers – may suggest an inherited predisposition to cancer.
No medical referral is required. Consultations are available in person at our clinic in Montreal or by teleconsultation for Quebec residents living outside the Greater Montreal area.
To make an appointment, contact us at:
Who should consider a consultation?
“You may benefit from a hereditary cancer genetics consultation if…”
- You or a family member developed cancer at a young age.
- You or a relative have had multiple cancers.
- Several members of your family have had the same type of cancer or related cancers.
- You have had numerous gastrointestinal polyps.
- A blood relative carries a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant associated with hereditary cancer.
- Your doctor has recommended a genetics consultation.
Why consult?
A genetic counselling consultation can help you better understand your personal and family history of cancer, determine whether further genetic evaluation may be appropriate, and make informed decisions about your health and that of your family. Depending on your individual level of risk, it may also help guide recommendations for screening or monitoring.
What happens during the consultation?
A genetic counselling appoinrtment at Clinique 1037 is a meeting with a professional specifically trained to assess hereditary cancer risk based on your personal and family history.
During the meeting, the genetic counsellor will:
- Personal and family history — Gather your medical history and document your family history of cancer.
- Risk assessment — Analyze your personal and family history to assess whether it shows characteristics of a hereditary predisposition to cancer.
- Discussion of options — Assess and explain the relevance of genetic testing, as well as its benefits, limitations, and possible implications for you and your family.
- Recommendations and referral — When appropriate, refer you to the relevant medical resources and provide recommendations tailored to your situation.
What happens if genetic testing is indicated?
Genetic counselling does not obligate you to undergo genetic testing: the decision is yours. Rather, it helps determine whether further genetic evaluation is relevant and prepares you to understand its implications, both before and after the results.
If the assessment suggests that genetic testing is indicated,your genetic counsellor will guide you through the sample collection process and help coordinate testing. Genetic testing is not included in the consultation fee.
Have you already had genetic testing done with 23andMe or another service?
Direct-to-consumer genetic tests can provide information about certain genetic predispositions, but their results and limitations can be difficult to interpret.
Our genetic counsellor can review your results in the context of your personal and cancer family history, explain their meaning and limitations, and determine whether confirmatory or additional clinical genetic testing should be considered.
A consultation can be especially helpful if:
- You received a genetic result you don’t understand or that concerns you;
- Your result involves BRCA1, BRCA2, or another gene associated with a predisposition to cancer;
- You want to know whether a result from 23andMe or another commercial test should be confirmed through clinical testing;
- You want to understand the possible implications of your result for your own monitoring or for your family members.
Patients will be asked to send a copy of their results ahead of the consultation for the counsellor to review prior to your appointment.
Your genetic counsellor
Dalia Thorne-Joseph, M.Sc., Genetic Counsellor
Ms. Thorne-Joseph holds a master’s degree in genetic counselling from McGill University. She has experience in clinical genetics, particularly in cancer genetics, where she conducts hereditary risk assessments, analyzes family histories, and supports patients throughout the genetic counselling process.
During her two-year training at McGill University, she also gained experience in various areas of clinical genetics, including prenatal and pediatric genetics. These experiences have helped her develop a comprehensive, rigorous, and patient-centred approach.
Ms. Thorne-Joseph continues her professional development to ensure that her patients receive genetic counselling informed by the latest evidence and clinical pratices. Bilingual in French and English, she offers genetic counselling services in both languages and is pleased to support you as part of this new genetic counselling service at Clinique 1037.
Fees
Initial consultation — $399
Includes opening the file, assessment of personal and family history, hereditary risk analysis, and the consultation with the genetic counsellor.
Follow-up consultation — $199
Genetic counselling follow-up may be recommended when new information becomes available, or when reassessment or further discussion is needed. Administrative communications or brief clarifications do not necessarily constitute a billable consultation.
Genetic Testing — Price varies
Genetic tests are carried out in accordance with the recommendations and decisions made during the initial consultation. You will receive a laboratory requisition by email to complete your genetic test.
A genetic counselling session, included in the service, is scheduled to share the results with you, explain them, and discuss them with you.
Consultation for a member of an already-assessed family — $349
This service is reserved for family members whose family history has already been assessed at Clinique 1037. A family letter prepared by the genetic counsellor will be provided to you to facilitate your process.
Genetic testing, when indicated, is not included in these fees.
Consultation options
- In person, at Clinique 1037 in Montreal or by Teleconsultation
- No medical referral is required to book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
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Is this service only for digestive cancers?
No. The genetic counselling service covers all major cancers that may have a hereditary component, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
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Does genetic counselling include a genetic test?
No. The initial consultation helps determine whether genetic testing may be approprisate and, when indicated, directs you to the appropriate ressources. Genetic testing is not included in the consultation fee and is subject to a separate cost.
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Do I need a medical referral?
No. You can book an appointment directly.
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Why choose a private consultation?
Wait times for genetic counselling in the public system can be significant. Clinique 1037 offers an option for quickly obtaining a genetic counselling assessment, without a medical referral.
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Can I consult remotely?
Yes. Teleconsultation is offered throughout Quebec, in addition to in-person consultations in Montreal. -
What should I prepare before the consultation?
If possible, gather the information you have on cancers diagnosed in your family: type of cancer, approximate age at diagnosis, relationship to you, and any genetic results already known. Don’t worry if some information is not available.
Book an appointment
Whether you’re concerned about a family history of cancer, have received a diagnosis yourself, or simply want to better understand your cancer risks, a consultation can help you determine the appropriate next steps.
