Genetic Counseling

Center for Precision Medicine and Genomics (CPMG)

The Center for Precision Medicine and Genomics (CPMG) offers comprehensive genetic counseling services available to all physicians and internal medicine subspecialties. Services include:

  • Pre and post genetic test consenting
  • Assistance with genetic test selection
  • Genetic test results interpretation
  • Genetic testing for at-risk family members

To request more information on any of the above specialty areas, please email the clinical team at [email protected].

To request a genetic counseling appointment, please click here.


Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center: Genetic Testing and Cancer

Make an Appointment 

To schedule an appointment for a consultation, contact the New Patient Access Center at 212-305-5098 or [email protected], or fill out this form for a callback.

For appointments related to gastrointestinal cancers (colon, stomach, pancreas), please contact us at 212-305-9337.

For questions about genetic counseling or testing, please contact us at [email protected].

Cancer is caused by changes (mutations) in genes. As humans, we have 20,000 genes in each cell of our bodies. Genes are the recipes for how our bodies grow and develop. Some genes are involved in controlling cell growth and replication or in gene repair. When the gene has a mutation it cannot perform its usual function. Cells can start to grow out of control and become cancer cells, able to grow and spread to other parts of the body. 

We can inherit gene mutations from our parents. These are called germline mutations and these mutations can be passed from generation to generation.  

Our genes can also become damaged from exposures in our environment, such as air pollution or sun exposure, or just from the aging process. Lifestyle choices such as tobacco use can also damage our genes. Mutations that occur from environmental or lifestyle exposures are called acquired or sporadic mutations. Acquired mutations are not inherited from family members or passed to subsequent generations.  

Recommendations about genetic testing for germline mutations are often based on personal or family history of disease. Genetic counselors can review these histories and evaluate for possible inherited risks of cancer.

For more information on oncology at Columbia visit the Herbert Irving Cancer Center.


Cancer Genetics Counseling Program

Having a close relative with breast, ovarian, colon, endometrial, or other cancers may increase one’s personal risk for developing these types of cancers. The ColumbiaDoctors Cancer Genetic Counseling Program provides accurate cancer risk information and genetic counseling to individuals with a family or personal history of cancer.

We offer individuals genetic counseling, risk assessment, and appropriate genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes such as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, hereditary colon cancer, or other cancer susceptibility genes.

We tailor information to the individual concerns of each patient, based on the medical and family history. We work closely with you to provide family-based care, multiple management options for medical follow-up and psychological support through the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center.

To learn more about the Cancer Genetics Counseling Program visit their website here. 


Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

The Interstitial Lung Disease Program (ILD) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian (CUIMC/NYP) is a multidisciplinary program that provides world-class care for patients with many types of interstitial lung disease (ILD), including:

  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
  • Nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis
  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • Drug-induced ILD
  • Pneumoconiosis
  • Pneumothorax
  • Post-covid fibrosis
  • ILD-related to connective tissue diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis

What Is Interstitial Lung Disease?

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an umbrella term for a large group of chronic lung disorders that affect the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs. 

The lining of the alveoli (the interstitium) is where oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream. Healthy alveoli expand and contract with ease. In patients with ILD, progressive inflammation or scarring (pulmonary fibrosis) make it hard for the alveoli to expand and absorb enough oxygen.

Blood Leukocyte Telomere Length and Genetic Testing

Blood leukocyte telomere length testing and genetic testing are relatively new tools for diagnosing and treating interstitial lung disease (ILD). Columbia’s clinic is one of the first to implement these tests as part of standard ILD care.  

Telomeres are repeated DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes. They help maintain the integrity of chromosomal ends during cell division and they shorten with age. People with short telomeres are more susceptible to fibrotic ILD. Telomere length testing can help determine whether you have this risk, which can be genetically inherited.  

Telomere length can also impact decisions about the best medication to treat your ILD. Our clinic has an integrated genetic counselor who can initiate genetic testing, if indicated.  These tests can only be drawn in the ILD clinic due to the unique processing and counseling required.  

Make an Appointment

Our experienced team is here to help you learn more about our program, to schedule an appointment, or to help with a referral. 212-305-8203

For more information, please visit their website here.