Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic
At the Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) — among the first of its kind in the U.S. and the only genetics clinic in the Pacific Northwest — we provide expert genetic counseling, testing and oncology review to men like you who may have a higher genetic risk of developing cancer.
If your testing results show you have a significant gene mutation (change), we can get you the support you need, like matching you to the newest clinical trials and research opportunities. And if you have metastatic prostate cancer, you can receive free genetic testing and counseling through the SCCA-led GENetic Testing for MEN (GENTleMEN) study.
Should you be tested?
You should consider genetic testing if you have metastatic prostate cancer. We also recommend genetic testing and counseling for men with prostate cancer who have:
- A family history of prostate cancer or several men in your family who have had it
- One close family member who has had high-grade, advanced or metastatic prostate cancer
- A family history of breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer
- A family member with a known genetic risk factor such as a mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, CHEK2, etc.
Men of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry are also considered at high risk of developing prostate cancer and should consider genetic testing.
What happens at your visit
At your first genetic consultation, you will meet with two providers: a genetic counselor and a medical oncologist. This process takes about two hours.
During your time with the genetic counselor, he or she will carefully review your personal and family medical history. If there is a possible genetic risk, the counselor will discuss the option of genetic testing with you and what your results might mean.
During your visit with the medical oncologist, you will discuss how genetic testing could affect your cancer treatment plan.
If you decide to have genetic testing, we will take a sample of your DNA through a blood draw or a saliva sample, which is sent to a lab for testing. After the results come back, you will meet again with the genetic counselor by phone to go over your results. If you do have a pathogenic genetic mutation, we’ll recommend that you meet with the medical oncologist again for a more in-depth conversation about possible treatment.
Care team
The Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic at SCCA team is made up of experts from a variety of specialties within SCCA.
Find care team profiles
Meet the caring, dedicated people who take care of you and your family at SCCA.

Genetic counselor

Lauren Facchini provides counseling for a variety of hereditary cancer syndromes. She has a special interest in genitourinary malignancies and focuses on helping patients understand how genetic test results can impact their personal and family’s risk for disease. She is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and licensed by the Washington State Department of Health.