Why choose Cook Children’s Genetic Oncology Clinic
When cancer runs in the family, worry can take hold long before symptoms ever appear. If you're concerned about your child's risk, we're here to listen, guide, and help you find the clarity your family needs.
At Cook Children's, our Genetic Oncology Clinic supports families whose children may be at higher risk because of inherited gene variants. By identifying these variants early, we can keep a close watch on your child's health. If something does show up, we can act quickly, when treatment may be more effective and options are more promising.
What you can expect
We were among the first pediatric hospitals in the country to create a clinic just for families navigating inherited cancer risk. Today, we're proud to keep leading the way, offering care that's grounded in science and wrapped in compassion. From genetic testing, expert guidance, opportunity to participate in research trials, condition specific registries, personalized pharmacogenomics and emotional support, everything your family needs is part of one thoughtful, connected program.
When you visit our Genetic Oncology Clinic, you can expect:
A cancer doctor, geneticist and genetic counselor work together to ensure your child receives the right testing for their needs. We accurately interpret the results and explain what they mean for your family's health. Our team is here to guide you through the information and help you feel supported in whatever decisions come next.
The idea of genetic testing for cancer can bring a mix of emotions, including anxiety and concern for what the results might mean. Our extended team includes child life specialists, social workers, palliative care providers, clinical therapists, nutritionist and chaplains who help ease your worries. We explain complex information in simple terms and offer emotional support. We also help make the testing process less stressful.
If testing shows your child has a familial cancer predisposition syndrome, we create a monitoring plan tailored just for them. This plan may include regular checkups, imaging, bloodwork or other screenings. The goal is to stay a step ahead, so if anything changes, we catch it early and respond quickly.
Children who test positive for a familial cancer predisposition syndrome often need to see other specialists. These doctors may specialize in the digestive tract, brain, kidneys or other body parts. A specially trained nurse helps set up all these appointments to make things easier for your family. It's our way of helping you manage this journey while keeping the focus on your child's health, now and in the future.
Your specialized care team
Our team includes the following specialists:
- Kaitlin Smith, RN, program coordinator
- Lisa Bashore, NP, Oncology
- Sperry Binnicher, NP, Genetics
- Amy Thomas, genetic counselor
- Maya Derhake, genetic counselor
Advancing familial cancer predisposition syndrome, detection and monitoring
Exploring your child's inherited cancer risk can be a lot to take in, but you don't have to go it alone. At Cook Children's, we offer guidance, answers and support tailored to your family.
Cook Children's participates in important research studies exploring cancer genetics. We work alongside physicians from other top programs through prominent research networks like the Children's Oncology Group. We take part in research with one goal: To provide better, more effective treatments for the children we care for.
Treatments and services we offer
Specific gene changes, called variants, can sometimes be passed from parent to child. These inherited changes may increase the chance of developing cancer. When this happens, it's known as a familial (hereditary) cancer predisposition syndrome.
Your child and family may benefit from a visit to our clinic if:
- You or a close family member received a cancer diagnosis before age 50.
- Multiple family members on the same side have had cancer.
- A family member had a rare cancer or more than one type of cancer.
- Your family has a known hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome.
- If your child has been diagnosed with certain cancers that are often associated iwht a cancer predisposition syndrome.
We explain cancer genetics and testing, including how certain cancers run in families and which tests determine your child's risk.
We identify relatives with potential cancer risk by reviewing your family's health records.
We take a sample of your child's blood, saliva or tissue and send it to a special laboratory to check for.
We help your family understand and cope with inherited cancer risks by providing expert guidance. We also address any concerns you may have.
This service is for patients who have completed cancer treatment. Learn more about our Life After Cancer Program.
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