Genetic Counseling

A family history of cancer can increase your own risk for developing the disease. Though we don’t always know what causes cancer, at least 10 percent of cancer cases run in families (i.e., are hereditary). In hereditary cancer, an increased risk of developing certain cancers is passed down in families through their genes.

The Cancer Genetic Counseling Service at the Karmanos Cancer Center uses your personal and family history to determine the likelihood that the cancer in your family may be hereditary, and provides information about genetic testing options. Knowing if you have an inherited risk of cancer allows you to be proactive about your health through increased cancer surveillance, risk reducing strategies, the use of certain medications, as well as enrollment in clinical trials. Furthermore, this information can be utilized to determine who else in the family is at risk of hereditary cancer for whom genetic testing would be recommended.

During the discussion of genetic testing options, the cost, insurance coverage and the risks and benefits are reviewed, so that you can make the choice that is right for you. Implications for the family are also reviewed.

We offer genetic counseling services in Detroit, Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Bay City, Flint, Lansing, Macomb, Maumee, Petoskey, Port Huron, and Roseville.

What's on this page

Should you consider genetic counseling?

The Cancer Genetic Counseling Service is helpful to anyone who has anxiety and/or concern about their risk of cancer. This service is particularly useful if you have any of the following:

  • Several relatives with cancer (excluding certain cancers such as lung cancer in a smoker, or cervical cancer).
  • A personal or family history of a rare cancer (e.g., ovarian, pancreatic, male breast, metastatic prostate, triple negative breast, medullary thyroid).
  • More than one type of cancer in the same individual.
  • A personal or family history of cancer under the age of 50.
  • A relative who has tested positive for a genetic mutation related to cancer risk.

What can you expect during an appointment?

  • Complete evaluation of your medical and family history by a genetic counselor who specializes in cancer genetics.
  • An estimation of your chance to develop specific cancers based on your family history and other risk factors.
  • An estimated chance that cancer might be passed along through the genes in your family.
  • Discussion of genetic testing options. If you pursue testing, results are shared with you during a telephone disclosure.
  • Information about ways to lower your risk of getting cancer and ways to find it early when it is most easily treated.

What difference can cancer genetic counseling make?

An evaluation with the Cancer Genetic Counseling Service could save your life. The information obtained during your appointments will help by informing you of your own cancer risk and ways to reduce this risk. It will also allow your doctor to develop a management program unique to you.

Finally, this information will help your family members who may be at an increased risk of developing certain cancers and might benefit from frequent cancer screening. Family members who may not be at an increased risk of developing cancer and may not need unnecessary cancer screening will also benefit from these services.

For More Information

  • Contact us at 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) for additional information or to schedule an appointment
  • Read the FAQs
  • Resources

Genetic Newsletters

The Karmanos Genetic Counseling Department releases a newsletter as a means to communicate with our patients about key advances in the field of cancer genetics. The newsletter is currently on hiatus. Please see below for past editions.

Genetic Counseling Team

  • Michael Simon, MD, MPH
    Michael Simon, M.D., MPH
    Medical Director
    Michael Simon, M.D., MPH, is a professor (Clinician-Educator) in the Department of Oncology. He received his Bachelor of Science in biology as well as his medical degree from the University of Illinois. In addition, he holds a Master’s of Public Health from the University of Michigan. He has been at Wayne State University since 1989 and has held the rank of professor since 2004. In addition to his other clinical responsibilities, Dr. Simon is the Medical Director of the Cancer Genetic Counseling Service. He is also actively involved in oncology research as well as teaching and training residents and fellows.

    Learn more about Dr. Simon

  • Nancie Petrucelli, MS, LCGC
    Director and Licensed Senior Genetic Counselor
    Nancie Petrucelli has over 20 years of clinical genetics experience and currently serves as the Director and Senior Genetic Counselor of the Cancer Genetic Counseling Service at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. She received her Master’s degree at the University of Cincinnati and is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. She currently holds the rank of Adjunct Associate Professor of Oncology. Prior to her arrival at Karmanos, she began her genetic counseling career at the Yale Cancer Center in New Haven, Connecticut and then developed the Cancer Genetics Program at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she is also actively involved in education and teaching as well as clinical research.
  • Courtney Attard, MS, CGC
    Courtney Kokenakes, MS, LCGC
    Licensed Genetic Counselor
    Courtney Kokenakes is a genetic counselor with the Cancer Genetic Counseling Service at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute where she provides genetic counseling to individuals at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. She received her Bachelor of Science in Genomics and Molecular Genetics from Michigan State University in 2010 and her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Wayne State University in 2016. Kokenakes previously worked for the University of Michigan as a research technician and lab manager in a neurology laboratory that studied metabolism. She is excited to provide genetic counseling as part of the Karmanos team and looks forward to continued involvement in research, teaching, and outreach related to public health genomics.
  • Kristian Wilks, MS, LCGC
    Licensed Genetic Counselor
    Kristian Wilks is a genetic counselor with the Cancer Genetic Counseling Service at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Kristian received his Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Molecular Genomics from Michigan State University in 2018 and his Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Wayne State University in 2020. Kristian previously worked for a neuroscience laboratory at Michigan State University studying socialization and development of the brain. He is excited to provide genetic counseling to the diverse communities of Michigan as a part of the Karmanos team, and to further add to research and outreach aimed at helping those with hereditary cancer syndromes.
  • Ashley Cosenza, MS, LCGC
    Licensed Genetic Counselor
    Ashley Cosenza is a genetic counselor with the Cancer Genetic Counseling Service at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Honors Biology with a concentration in Applied Genetics from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2016 and her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Wayne State University in 2021. Ashley previously worked as a genetic counseling assistant for Progenity, Inc. She is excited to provide genetic counseling as part of the Karmanos team, and to contribute to outreach and clinical research related to improving access to cancer genetic counseling services.
  • Wanda Sheard
    Administrative Assistant
    Wanda Sheard is the administrative assistant for the Cancer Genetic Counseling. Wanda received her Bachelor of Administration in Management from Davenport University. She’s been serving in the role of administrative assistant for 21 years, previously working at Henry Ford Hospital for 16 years. Wanda worked in several departments during her time of employment at Henry Ford Hospital. She worked in their department of Medical Genetics before seeking her current position at Karmanos.
  • Jenna Jajjo
    Genetic Counseling Assistant
    Jenna Jajjo is a Genetic Counseling Assistant with the Cancer Genetic Counseling Service at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. In her role, she performs various administrative tasks to help ensure that patients receive the best possible genetic counseling care. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in Biology, from Oakland University in 2024. Jenna has previously worked as a Patient Observation Aide where she monitored patients and assisted in the provision of a safe environment for them. As a future genetic counselor, Jenna is excited to be involved in cancer genetics as part of the team at Karmanos.

Find Genetic Counseling Near You

Genetic Counseling Fund

Your support of the Karmanos Cancer Genetic Counseling Service helps us provide the resources needed for people to learn about the impact their personal and family histories has on their chance of developing cancer, as well as the risk to other family members. It can also help people understand their options for prevention, early detection and treatment.

Please consider making a donation to the Cancer Genetic Counseling Service today!

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Genetic Resources

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC)

Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes

  • Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)/Attenuated FAP
  • Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS)
    • PJS Handbook (pdf) – From Johns Hopkins
    • PJS – From the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

    • Hereditary Melanoma Syndromes

    Rare Hereditary Cancer Syndromes

    General Cancer Resources

    Genetic Discrimination