Hereditary Cancer & Genetics

Meg Sheehan, MS, CGC

I provide clinical counseling to individuals with an inherited predisposition to cancer, including hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes and hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes.

I also participate in pediatric clinics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering and help to evaluate children who may have an inherited predisposition to cancer.

Location

New York City

Appointments for New Patients

646-888-4050

Education

MS, Boston University

Certifications

American Board of Genetic Counseling

Clinical Expertise

Genetic Predisposition to Cancer; Cancer Risk Counseling

breast (brest)

Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)

Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

colorectal (KOH-loh-REK-tul)

Having to do with the colon or the rectum.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

counseling (KOWN-suh-ling)

The process by which a professional counselor helps a person cope with mental or emotional distress, and understand and solve personal problems.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

genetic (jeh-NEH-tik)

Inherited; having to do with information that is passed from parents to offspring through genes in sperm and egg cells.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

genetic predisposition (jeh-NEH-tik PREE-dih-spuh-ZIH-shun)

An inherited increase in the risk of developing a disease. Also called genetic susceptibility.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

hereditary (huh-REH-dih-tayr-ee)

Transmitted from parent to child by information contained in the genes.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

inherited (in-HAYR-ih-ted)

Transmitted through genes that have been passed from parents to their offspring (children).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

ovarian (oh-VAYR-ee-un)

Having to do with the ovaries, the female reproductive glands in which the ova (eggs) are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pediatric (pee-dee-A-trik)

Having to do with children.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)